Shades Of Sadness

Beautiful Betsy lies on a hillside, in various parts.

There is a plaque nearby, which explains things.

Where Betsy was going, (to Darwin) and who was on board (six American and two British airmen).

When she crashed, (1945),  and when she was found, (almost fifty years later).

On the plaque is a photo of Flight Officer Roy Cannon, one of the eight airmen who perished.

And a copy of his last letter.

Katherine starts reading.

Dear Edith and Freddy, Haven't heard from you for some time.....

Freddy! says Katherine. There's a coincidence. We should have brought Freddy. He'd have liked this.

Nerida and Terence are looking at a rusty propellor.

They hear the name Freddy.

We forgot Freddy! says Terence. He wanted to see Beautiful Betsy.

It may be a good thing, says Nerida. It would have made him feel sad. 

Because there are no bombs? asks Terence.

Not that, says Nerida. They weren't carrying bombs anyway. They were taking food supplies up to Darwin.

And the Darwins didn't get their food, says Terence. Is that sad?

And the eight airmen died, says Nerida. And weren't found until fifty years later. 

Too late, says Terence. Is THAT sad?

Not really, I guess, says Nerida. It's kind of romantic.

I don't get it, says Terence. I'm going to ask Katherine.

Ask her what? asks Nerida.

If she's sad, says Terence.

He runs over to Katherine.

Freddy's name is on this plaque, says Katherine. In this letter. See here!

Yikes! says Terence. 

It's not actually him, says Katherine. 

Are you sad? asks Terence.

No, says Katherine. It was a long time ago. And there's no point being sad. I thought Freddy would be interested.

He is interested, says Terence. I'll go and get him. I know the way.

No you don't! cries Katherine.

But Terence has run off in the campsite's direction.

Luckily Gaius is rapidly approaching, with Freddy in the sandwich bag smelling of salmon.

Well met, Terence! says Gaius.

Guess what? says Terence. Freddy got a letter. On a plaque. One of the crashed people sent it.

To Freddy? says Gaius. That's a long stretch.

Yes, says Terence. Come and see it.

Gaius follows Terence to the plaque, where Katherine is waiting.

Good, you brought Freddy, says Katherine. Show him this!

She points to his name in the letter from Flight Officer Roy Cannon.

Cannon? says Gaius. Flying a bomber. That's....

Right here, says Katherine, ignoring his attempt to find comedy in a memorial.

Gaius takes Freddy out of the sandwich bag.

At last! Freddy breathes freely again.

He looks at the spot on the plaque at which Katherine is pointing.

But sadly, he has not learned to read.