Bitter Sweet Feelings

Is everyone ready? asks Gaius.

Ready, says Katherine. Are the tents in the car?

They are, says Gaius. Do you have the food and water?

Here, says Nerida. 

Then we're off to Kroombit Tops at last! says Gaius. 

Those little Tinkers will have grown up by now, says Katherine. How long do frogs live, by the way?

Anything from one day up to to thirty years, says Gaius.

One day? says Terence.

The unlucky ones, says Gaius. It is not a natural life span.

Woo, says Terence. Hear that, Freddy?

So! says Freddy.

Was that Freddy saying so? asks Nerida.

Yes, says Terence. He can say 'so' and 'connection'.

Did you teach him? asks Katherine. 

No, says Terence, he learned by himself.

We believe he understands the meaning of so and connection, says Gaius. But now, let us get going.

They go to reception, and settle the bill, then drive to the Gladstone Hospital, for Arthur.

They go up to his room.

The bed is empty.

A nurse comes in.

Arthur hasn't died, says the nurse, if that's what you're thinking.

We were not thinking Arthur had died, says Gaius. Where is he?

He left you a note, says the nurse. 

Gaius reads the note.

Drat! says Gaius. He has gone off somewhere and will catch up with us later.

Nerida looks dejected.

Never mind, dear, says Katherine. Arthur often slopes off on his own. It goes with being a poet.

Yes, says Gaius. We must cut him some slack. Nerida, you are henceforth promoted to senior assistant. 

And me, says Terence.

And you, Terence, says Gaius, will be my deputy senior assistant.

Yippee! says Terence

Connection! says Freddy.

He knows, says Terence. Good boy, Freddy.

So! says Freddy.

You must all leave now, says the nurse. We need the bed for the next patient.

Before we go, says Nerida, do you have any spare rubber gloves we could borrow?

There's a pack of disposables in the bottom drawer, says the nurse. You're welcome to take a couple.

We only need one, says Nerida. Thank you.

No worries, says the nurse. 

They leave Gladstone Hospital and pile into the 4WD Wagon.

Gaius is in a good mood. His frog survey is finally happening.

Katherine is happy. Her role as a chaperone has just become easier. 

Nerida has bitter-sweet feelings about her promotion.

Terence does not.