The Tadpoles Didn't Hear It

 Arthur is outside his tent, reaching in for an apple.

Terence comes up.

I need some more water, says Terence.

Arthur puts down the apple and feels around for a bottle of water.

He pulls one out, and hands it to Terence.

Now what? says Terence.

You drink it, says Arthur.

It's not for me, it's for my tadpoles, says Terence. 

Shouldn't they have creek water? asks Arthur. 

Yes! says Terence. I'll take them down to the creek.

I'll come with you, says Arthur. 

Okay, says Terence.

They go.

Here they are at the edge of the creek now.

Terence holds the bottle half-filled with creek water and the three pobblebonk children.

Take the lid off, says Arthur, then lie on your stomach and dip the bottle into the water. It'll pour in.

Terence's eyes light up. No one but Arthur would have suggested he do this.

He takes the lid off, and lies on his stomach.

Don't let them get away, says Arthur.

The three best children look at one another. Where would they want to get away to?

Terence dips the bottle. Creek water pours in.

Hey, Arthur! says Nerida.

Hey, says  Arthur. 

It's good you came back, says Nerida. 

I might not stay long, says Arthur.

How come? asks Nerida.

The Tour de France starts at the end of June, says Arthur.

Oh wow! says Nerida. Are you in it?

I'm in it, says Arthur. Team Condor. And Sweezus is captain.

Him? says Nerida. I thought he was an actor.

Not really, says Arthur. He just does one Fringe show every year for his boss.

Cool, says Nerida. Do you reckon this year you might win it?

Not likely, says Arthur. Tadej's on a roll at the moment.

Who's Taddy? asks Nerida.

Pogacar, says Arthur. He just won the Giro.

Taddy won the Giro! 

Lucky the tadpoles didn't hear that. 

But Terence is not underwater and he hears it.

And says nothing. 

Not yet.

Precious Little

Terence goes back to his tent with his three tadpole children, in their bottle.

In or out? asks Terence.

The tadpole children don't answer.

Terence leaves the bottle outside and goes in.

He has gone in head first, which is not the best way.

He comes back out, knocking over the bottle.

The lid has not been screwed on tight.

Water starts dripping out of the bottle. 

The three tadpole children try to alert Terence.

Hey-Hey-Hey!

But Terence has gone back inside, feet first this time.

What did he go in for?

He can't remember. 

The pobblebonk has gone.

The Kroombit tinker is with Gaius.

But there was someone else....

Greedy! What happened to her? Where was she when he last saw her?

He pokes his head out of the tent, and sees the water draining out of his bottle of children.

Yikes! 

He sets the bottle upright and screws the lid back on tight.

But now the three tadpole children only have half a bottle of water to swim in.

That might not be enough. 

What happens when their legs grow?

Their heads will stick out and they'll die, or will they?

Terence realises he doesn't know much about tadpoles. 

Frogs yes, after all he's on the frog team, but not tadpoles.

Maybe they know?

He opens the lid and shouts in.

Do you guys need more water?

The children nod vigorously. Yes we do. Creek water please.

Nodding conveys a yes, but not the rest of the answer.

Terence picks up the bottle and heads for Arthur's tent.

Does he mean to replace the children's water with springwater?

There'll be precious little nutrition for tadpoles in that.

Leg-Like Lumps

That is not how you win, says the pobblebonk. 

But I will win, says Terence. 

Then what is your blessing? asks the pobblebonk.

Terence looks at the pobblebonk. 

Looks at the three best children, swimming around in the bottle.

Soon they will be his three best children.

Not that they are any fun at the moment.

But when they grow legs, he can let them out of the bottle.

The pobblebonk said so.

May you... begins Terence, and stops.

He had been going to say 'May you decide that I win'.

But he has just thought of something longer and better.

May your children grow legs fast so I can let them out of the bottle, says Terence.

The pobblebonk is taken aback by this blessing.

He looks at the children.

They are pressing their little tadpole faces against the side of the bottle.

That's not really a blessing for me, says the pobblebonk. 

In a way it is, says Gaius. Your children will know that you cared for their future.

And the gods will grant you what you deserve, says Nerida.

If there are any gods, says Katherine.

That is irrelevant, says Gaius. 

How come? asks Nerida.

Irrelevant if the pobblebonk chooses Terence's blessing, says Gaius.

Can't I accept all of them? asks the pobblebonk. I'm choosing the winner, but they are all blessings I shall treasure.

That's so sweet, says Nerida. 

Except for 'May you never be dissected', adds the pobblebonk. I won't treasure that one.

Surely you don't want to be dissected, says the Kroombit tinker.

I don't wish to be reminded of the possibility, says the pobblebonk.

Fair enough, says the Kroombit tinker. I guess I wouldn't either.

So do I win? asks Terence?

Yes, says the pobblebonk. You win my three best children. And the gods, if there are any, will see I am a provident father.

The tadpole children roll their small eyes.

Hurry up and get going, daddy. Let us get on with our future!

Goodbye, all, says the pobblebonk. Goodbye my children. May you grow legs and prosper.

He hops away, counting his blessings.

Terence claims the bottle.

He stares hard at the three tadpole children. 

Yippee! They already have leg-like lumps on their sides.

Third Eyelids And Teeth

I'll go next, says Gaius.

Please do, says the pobblebonk.

This is an old Roman blessing, says Gaius.

I don't mind, says the pobblebonk. 

May the gods grant you all you deserve, says Gaius.

The pobblebonk tries to digest this.

His three best childen have stopped cavorting, and are watching his face.

No wonder the Roman Empire collapsed, says Katherine.

Do you like it? asks Terence.

That depends, says the pobblebonk.

What on? asks Terence.

The meaning, says the pobblebonk.

Ask Gaius, says Terence. He said it.

What do I deserve? asks the pobblebonk.

What indeed, says Gaius. This blessing is intended to encourage you to examine your life.

Frogs don't do that, says the pobblebonk.

Speak for yourself, says the Kroombit tinker.

I was, says the pobblebonk.

You weren't, says the Kroombit tinker. 

Next! says Gaius. As Terence is going last, it must be you,  Arthur.

May you never be dissected, says Arthur.

That's a mysterious blessing, says the pobblebonk. What is dissected?

It's when a scientist pins you to a board by your appendages, and cuts you open to see what's inside, says Arthur.

Ha ha, laughs the pobblebonk. That wouldn't happen.

It does happen, says Gaius, but these days they anaesthetise you first.

No, they actually kill you, says Nerida. So it's a useful type blessing.

Why would a scientist want to see what's inside me? asks the pobblebonk.

For biology, says Nerida. My friend did it. She said her frog had a third eyelid and two sets of teeth.

She didn't have to cut her frog open for that, says the pobblebonk.

There was other stuff, says Nerida. But it was kind of disgusting.

So do I win? asks Arthur.

The pobblebonk looks at his three best children. They are inspecting one another, for teeth and third eyelids.

But they are still fat little tadpoles, and don't have them.

No, says the pobblebonk. You don't win. You have made me feel disconcerted.

Yay! says Terence. That means I do!

Jump Anyway

Everyone has gathered outside Katherine's tent.

Katherine hands out paper packets of instant porridge.

Gaius tears open his packet.

Ideally we'd add warm milk, says Katherine. But we'll use cold spring water. Pour it in.

Do we have spoons? asks Gaius.

I forgot the spoons, says Katherine. Use your fingers.

This is fun, says Nerida, stirring her porridge with her fingers.

Arthur has finished eating his. Dry porridge, washed down with spring water.

Gaius tries pouring his porridge into his mouth.

Squeeze the packet, says Katherine.

Unusual, says Gaius. Lumpy, but no doubt nutritious.

I could have stirred it for you, says the pobblebonk.

I did think of asking, says Gaius.

Whatever made you think of asking? asks Katherine.

The pobblebonk has shovel-shaped toes, says Gaius. He uses them to burrow underground in dry times.

And then you thought better of it, says Katherine. Very wise.

When's the blessing competition? asks Terence (who was not given porridge).

Now, says the pobblebonk. Who wants to go first?

Me, says Terence. No wait. I'll go last.

Then I'll go first, says Katherine. Bless you, pobblebonk. May the waters rise up to meet you.

Thank you Katherine, says the pobblebonk. That is a good blessing. I like how you adapted a well known Irish blessing to suit me.

You're welcome, says Katherine.

Who's next? asks Nerida. I've got mine ready.

You, then, says the pobblebonk.

Bless you, pobblebonk, says Nerida. Whenever you're fearful, may you jump anyway.

Woah! says the pobblebonk. That's inspirational. 

It's a quote from Taylor Swift, says Nerida. 

Nevertheless, says the pobblebonk, I do like it. Who's next?

Me, says the Kroombit tinker (who also was not given porridge).

I'm all ears, says the pobblebonk.

May you remain 'of least concern', says the Kroombit tinker.

That's a good one, says Gaius. Very relevant.

Somewhat dismissive, don't you think? says the pobblebonk.

It's meant to be dismissive, says the Kroombit tinker. No offence. You get blessed, then you leave.

Anyone would think you didn't want to win my three best children, says the pobblebonk.

She probably doesn't, says Katherine.

Eaten For Nothing

 It's a competition, says Terence. And the winner gets these!

My three best children, says the pobblebonk.

The three best children look pleased.

They speed up, doing aquatic tricks in the bottle.

They look energetic, says Arthur. What's the competition?

Best blessing, says the pobblebonk.

Is it for you? asks Arthur.

Yes, says the pobblebonk. I choose the best blessing, then I leave with the blessing, and the winner gets three of my children. Of course, I have others.

The three best children start doing ever more complex manoeuvres.

The pobblebonk raps on the bottle.

Enough of that, my children! 

I might enter, says Arthur.

You can't, says Terence. You only just got here.

He can, says the pobblebonk. All blessings welcome.

Not fair, says Terence. Freddy got eaten for nothing.

I'm sorry, says Arthur. But I'm going to enter.

Arthur goes off to see about emptying his tent, which has been filled with apples and springwater, during his absence.

Gaius is already there, looking for an apple.

Arthur! says Gaius. At last! When did you get here?

A couple of hours ago, says Arthur. What's been happening?

Many things, says Gaius. Terence found a Kroombit tinker. A female. She seems to be missing her old life. Fascinating. Oh and I have been latched onto by a pobblebonk, but we are dealing with that situation in a manner you might find amusing.

I know, says Arthur. The blessing competition. I told Terence I'm going to enter. 

Good for you, says Gaius. 

And by the way, I ate Freddy, says Arthur. 

That's not like you, says Gaius.

In a way, it is, says Arthur.

If you say so, says Gaius. Anyway, first things first. All these supplies must be moved back into the 4WD vehicle. I'd help you, but I'm interviewing the Kroombit tinker.

I could sleep in the vehicle, says Arthur.

As you wish, says Gaius. 

Katherine appears in a track suit.

Arthur! says Katherine. What fun! Ready for the blessing competition?

Ready, says Arthur. When is it?

Straight after breakfast, says Katherine. Come to my tent if you'd like instant porridge.

Instant porridge? says Gaius. Why have I not heard of this?

You just add water, says Katherine. 

Remarkable, says Gaius.

As We Know It

We'll have to tell Terence, says Nerida.

I'll tell him, says Arthur. Where is he?

He went back to his tent with the pobblebonk, says Nerida.

Who's the pobblebonk? asks arthur.

Some weird frog that's been following Gaius, says Nerida. We've been trying to get rid of him in a nice way. We had a singalong earlier.

Glad I missed that, says Arthur.

I bet you would've liked it, says Nerida. There were all these retro songs. And Terence made one up about Freddy.

Freddy, who I just finished eating? says Arthur. I feel a bit bad.

I guess Freddy was yours in the first place, says Nerida. But he was just a chocolate frog then.

He was still a chocolate frog, says Arthur, except for the bead in his head.

Yeah, but he learned to talk and everything, says Nerida. And he had a favourite song.

What was it? asks Arthur.

The End of the World, says Nerida. 

By R E M? asks Arthur.

Don't know. Does it go..'it ended when you said goodbye'? asks Nerida.

No, says Arthur, it goes...'and I feel fine'.

That wasn't it then, says Nerida. Freddy's was sad. Especially in the light of what happened.

I'm going, says Arthur.

He wriggles past her, still smelling of chocolate (aka Freddy).

He stops outside Terence's tent.

Bonk bonk! noises come from inside it.

He pokes his head in.

Arthur! says Terence, turning quickly. Guess what?

No, first you guess what, replies Arthur.

You're back, says Terence. But look....

I accidentally ate Freddy, says Arthur.

Silence. Arthur ate Freddy. 

Accidentally. Oh well.

That's one less in the competition, says Terence. But look at these tadpoles!

What competition? asks Arthur.

Watch Out For Symptoms

Come on, says Nerida. You can do it!

It's not that, says the pobblebonk tadpole. 

I thought you were stuck, says Nerida.

I'm not stuck, says the pobblebonk tadpole. I'm considerng.

No time for considering! says his father. Get in! The future awaits you.

Yes, get in! cry the other two pobblebonk tadpoles. The future awaits us.

The first pobblebonk tadpole swims into the springwater bottle.

The other two follow.

Yay! says Terence. This is the prize for the winner.

Do you hope to win it? asks the pobblebonk.

Yes! says Terence.

What would you do with it? asks Nerida.

Terence doesn't know.

You must take care of them, says the pobblebonk. And watch out for symptoms.

Like coughing? asks Terence.

No, like growing legs and losing their tails, says the pobblebonk. When you see these things happen you should let them out of the bottle.

Okay, says Terence. If I win it.

They have returned to the campsite.

It will soon be morning. Birds tweet in the treetops.

Nerida goes to her tent. She hasn't yet thought up her blessing.

Not that she wants that dud prize.

But she should make an effort.

What blessing would Taylor Swift come up with?

She has now got her head in the tent. It's dark. She smells chocolate. 

She hopes Freddy's not melting. 

She withdraws her head. She should have wriggled in backwards.

She starts wriggling in backwards when someone says Hey!

It's Arthur. Returned from whatever he stayed back for in Gladstone.

Arthur! You're in my tent, says Nerida.

I don't have my own tent, says Arthur. 

Yes you do, but Gaius put the supplies in it, because you weren't here, explains Nerida.

So, what's been happening? asks Arthur.

Why do you smell of chocolate? asks Nerida. Oh no! Have you eaten Freddy?

Merde! says Arthur. Looks like it. 

He spits out a bead.

They look at the bead.

It has a Y on it. 

It was indeed Freddy.

My Three Best Children

 I'll need a jar, says the pobblebonk.

Nobody has one, says Terence. 

An alternative to a jar, says the pobblebobk.

What's that? asks Terence.

Something you can fill with water, says the pobblebonk.

What's if it's already filled with water? asks Terence.

That would save trouble, says the pobblebonk. Go and get it. I'll wait here with my children.

Terence runs back to the campsite.

It's still dark. He tries to be quiet.

Rustle rustle.

Who's that? asks Nerida.

No one, says Terence.

What are you doing? asks Nerida.

Getting some water, says Terence.

Have some of mine, says Nerida.

Okay, says Terence. He takes her springwater bottle, and turns to run off,

Where are you going with it? asks Nerida.

To the creek, says Terence.

Why? asks Nerida.

Too late. Terence has gone.

The pobblebonk is on the creek bank, looking down at his children. 

Bonk-bonk! Way too many!

Only three of you will be coming, says the pobblebonk. You, you and you. The rest of you stay.

Aw, say the tadpole children who will not be coming.

Terence appears with the springwater bottle.

Here, says Terence.

That is a rather narrow opening, says the pobblebonk.

So what? says Terence.

The children I've chosen are the fat ones, says the pobblebonk. They may not get in. They certainly won't get back out.

Yes we will ! cry the three chosen children. We can do it!

Nerida looms up behind them.

What are you guys doing? asks Nerida.

Having a problem, says Terence.

What is it? asks Nerida.

Terence explains that the three fattest tadpoles are the prize for the blessing competition, but they might not fit into their bottle and if they do they might never get out.

Geez! says Nerida. And there was me thinking I might like to win it.

These are my three best children, says the pobblebonk.

Sorry, says Nerida. I shouldn't have said that. Here, let me help you squeeze them in.

The three best children swim up to the open neck of the bottle.

The first one stops, half way in.....

Froth Raft

Terence sits outside his tent, trying to think of a blessing.

Inside, the pobblebonk stretches his toes to the feet end.

What would make a good prize?

He doesn't own anything. 

Except.....there are always his children.

Four thousand of them. Who would miss one?

He sneaks to the front end, intending to wriggle past Terence.

Bonk! He has forgotten about the black underpants that Terence is wearing.

What? asks Terence.

Just popping out for a bit, says the pobblebonk.

I'll come with you, says Terence. Where are we going?

To the water, says the pobblebonk. I need to get something.

Is it a prize? asks Terence.

It might be, says the pobblebonk.

Lets go! says Terence.

He follows the pobblebonk to the creek bank.

The pobblebonk starts calling. Bonk bonk! Where are you?

No one answers.

The pobblebonk starts walking along the creek bank.

He stops at a small raft of froth.

These will be mine, says the pobblebonk.

He hops into the water and scrabbles about in the froth raft.

That's a rubbish prize, says Terence.

Ee! Ee! Faint squeaks arise from the froth raft.

It looks like the stuff I threw up, says Terence.

I would have thought they'd be tadpoles by now, says the pobblebonk.

Tadpoles! says Terence. That's a great prize! Where are they?

Perhaps down below, says the pobblebonk. They tend to rest on the bottom.

He dives down to the bottom.

Sure  enough, there are several of his probable children resting on the bottom.

Who's up for an adventure? asks the pobblebonk.

We are! cry the probable pobblebonk children.

Wop bop a loo! Now he just needs a jar.

Blessings Underneath

 That's a good song, says Terence. Can he sing it again?

Why not? says Gaius. 

The pobblebonk sings Wop bop a loo bop again.

Terence dances crazily again, in the underpants.

These are good underpants, says Terence. Can I keep them?

No, says Gaius. As it is, I shall need to do some washing.

If you're doing washing, says Katherine, you could perhaps rinse out the gecko shorts.

Not now, says Gaius. I suggest we all turn in quite soon.

Including me, says the Kroombit tinker. But first we must farewell the pobblebonk.

Farewell me? says the pobblebonk. 

Remember? says the Kroombit tinker. You agreed to leave with our blessing, after the singalong.

I don't remember, says the pobblebonk. 

You were at the feet end of Terence's tent, says the Kroombit tinker.

I was saving him, says Terence.

I DO remember, says the pobblebonk. But not the blessing.

You haven't had the blessing, says the Kroombit tinker.

Not yet, says Nerida. It sounds like you're going to get one.

What is it? asks the pobblebonk.

It's a wish, says Terence. 

Sounds okay, says the pobblebonk. What if I wish I could stay?

You don't get to wish it, says Terence. Someone wishes it for you.

How come you know so much about blessing? asks the pobblebonk.

I used to live on a palace, says Terence. And blessings happened underneath me.

Wow! says Nerida. What palace?

In Barcelona, says Terence.

Was it the Sagrada Familia? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Yes it was, says Katherine. You are a knowledgeable frog.

We used to have quizzes, in Currumbin, says the Kroombit tinker.

But this is about me, says the pobblebonk. What's my blessing?

How about 'May the road rise to meet you', says Katherine, I always think that's a nice one.

Not for a frog, says the pobblebonk. I'm not going.

Well, says Gaius. You can stay until someone comes up with a blessing you approve of.

Fine, says the pobblebonk. 

Let's have a blessing competition, says Terence. And the pobblebonk can judge it.

In the morning, says Gaius. 

Terence goes back to his tent with the pobblebonk.

You can have the whole tent, says Terence. Not just the feet end. I'll sit outside and wait for the morning and think of a blessing and then I'll be the winner. Are you giving a prize?

The pobblebonk hadn't thought ahead that far.

Yes, he should give a prize.

Just Dance Crazily

Never mind, says Katherine. We can wash them. 

Not now, says Terence.

No, not now, says Katherine, but you ought to stop jigging.

Nerida has finished her song.

I enjoyed that, says Gaius. Does that make me a Swiftie? Who's next in the program?

The pobblebonk, says Nerida.

At last! says the pobblebonk. You can dance to this song as well. 

It's not fair, says Terence. I'm not allowed to.

You could if you had a spare pair of shorts, says Katherine. What happened to those parrot shorts?

They wiped bird poo off a police car, says Terence.

So they did, says Gaius. Would you like to dance again Terence?

Yes! says Terence. But not in these stinky old gecko shorts.

Gaius gets up and goes into his tent.

He returns with a pair of black underpants.

Here, try these on, says Gaius..

Terence steps out of the gecko shorts and into the black underpants.

They're very loose round his waist, says Katherine.

I'll get the stapler, says Nerida.

Can't we just fold and tuck, says Gaius. I don't want staples in my good underpants.

I have a staple remover, says Nerida.

Very well, says Gaius. I suppose a staple is the more reliable option.

Yay! says Terence, when Nerida has stapled the underpants.

Can I sing now? asks the pobblebonk.

Go for it, says Nerida. What's it called again?

Tutti Frutti, says the pobblebonk.

Wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom, sings the pobblebonk.

I wonder what it means? says Katherine.

I'll google it, says Nerida.

No, don't, says the pobblebonk. You won't understand it. Just dance crazily.

Terence is already dancing crazily.

And his underpant-shorts don't fall down.

Not As Sweet As It Was

Terence feels a bit strange.

He clutches his tummy.

Are you okay? asks Nerida.

Mmh-mmh, says Terence.

Open your mouth, says Katherine.

Terence opens. There is nothing to see.

No more marshmallows for you, says Katherine. They'll be mounting up down there inside you.

They have already, says Terence. I feel funny.

What happens when Terence eats something? asks Nerida. 

He generally needs to be inverted, says Gaius. 

Bumhole! says Terence. 

That's precisely the problem, says Gaius. You don't have one.

How come he doesn't have one? asks Nerida. He seems to have everything else.

Think about it, says Katherine. It's quite natural that whoever made Terence would leave that part out.

Yeah, says Nerida. I guess so. It's kind of weird to think about.

What is? asks Terence.

Nothing, says Katherine. It's Nerida turn to sing now. Ready Nerida?

Yep! says Nerida. This is a dance tune, so everyone can get up and dance if they want to.

Yay! says Terence, jumping up. Hup! Bruuurp!

Doof doof doof doof, sings Nerida. I stay out too late... doof doof doof.... got nothin' in my brain.... that's what people say...doof doof doof.... that's what people say.. mm mm.....

Katherine stands up.

Gaius taps his feet.

But I'm just gonna shake shake shake shake shake...I shake it off! Hoo hoo hoo! sings Nerida.

It's infectious.

Everyone is dancing but Freddy.

Yes! Who cares what people say? Just shake it off hoo hoo hoo

Terence has been jigging since the first doof-doof.

He can feel something rising inside him.

Something sticky and bubbly and not quite as sweet as it was.

Up it comes.

Bluuuh! All over his gecko shorts.

So what? 

Shake it off! ..hoo hoo....mm mm

Tootem-Tootem

What's that in your mouth, Terence? asks Katherine.

Nothing, says Terence.

Which is not strictly true.

Is it a marshmallow? asks Gaius.

Did you take one when I wasn't looking? asks Katherine.

Yes, says Terence. I didn't want to pause Freddy's song.

You paused it lots of times, says Freddy.

But not that time, says Terence.

If you choke, it will be your own fault, says Gaius.

If you stop talking, I'll stop talking says Terence. And nothing will happen.

It's Gaius's turn to sing, says Nerida. 

Is it? asks Gaius. Did I mention a title?

Gaudeamus igitur, says Katherine. Have you forgotten?

No, no, says Gaius. Has anyone any objections?

I've already voiced my objections, says Katherine. 

Anyone else? asks Gaius.

Isn't it in Latin? asks Nerida.

It is, says Gaius. It's a student drinking song, in Latin.

Elitist waffle, says Katherine.

I thought you objected to the ending, says Gaius.

Not as such, says Katherine. Only as to its suitability for this singalong. 

Surely we can have a bit of fun about the fact that we're all going to die? says Gaius.

If you say so, says Katherine.

Am I going to die? asks Terence.

No, says Nerida. Because you're a statue.

Lucky you, says the Kroombit tinker.

Gaius starts singing, in order to end the debate.

Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus, post iucundam iuvetutem...

Tootem-tootem! sings the pobblebonk.

Gaius acknowledges the pobblebonk. 

It's good that he wants to join in.

Post molestam senectutem....

Tootem-tootem! sings the pobblebonk.

Nos habe-bit humus! Nos habeeeeee-biiit huuuum-us! sings Gaius.

That was really cool, says Nerida. Is humus the earth?

Indeed, says Gaius. The earth will have us in the end, life is short, let us enjoy life while we're young.

Except you're not young, says Nerida.

And while we are old, adds Gaius. Assuming we have the means to enjoy it.

You're in a good mood, says Katherine.

I am, says Gaius. The Gaudeamus always lifts my spirits.

Terence sneaks a hand into the marshmallow packet.

Why not? He's the one who can't die.

 

Our Hearts Were Still Beating

 So Paul McCartney was in Scotland, says Katherine.

Yes, says Nerida. He went there when the band was breaking up. And he wrote it.

Scotland is a good place for that sort of thing, says Katherine. I should know. I was born there.

Wow! says Nerida. Did you write any songs?

No, says Katherine. What I meant was, there are long and winding roads in Scotland.

There are long and winding roads everywhere, says Gaius.

Not where I come from, says Freddy.

Where? asks Terence.

You know, says Freddy The hospital dispensing machine.

I forgot, says Terence. Go on. Start singing.

Freddy starts singing.

Whyyyy, does the sun go on shining? Whyyyy, does the sea rush to shooore? Don't theyy know, it's the ennnd of the world, 'cause you don't love me any moooore?

Pause, says Terence.

Why? asks Freddy. 

Did you make that song up? asks Terence.

No, I didn't, says Freddy. 

You should have, says Terence.

Why? asks Freddy.

Because you always ask why, says Terence, and you have a Y bead in your head.

Good detective work, says Katherine. But let's let Freddy keep singing.

What do you mean, I should have? says Freddy.

You should have, says Terence.

How could I when it was already a song before? asks Freddy.

Before what? asks Terence.

Before I heard it, says Freddy

Terence thinks he understands Freddy's question. But it needs some more thought. 

And a marshmallow would help with the thinking.

This time he's not going to ask.

Freddy keeps singing.

Whyyy, does my heart go on beating, whyyy, do these eyes of mine cry, don't theyy know, it's the ennnd of the world, it ended when you said goodbye.

I'm sure I've heard that song before, says Katherine.

It's heaps old, says Nerida.

Thank you, Nerida, says Katherine. Are you sure you heard it in the hospital, Freddy?

Yes, says Freddy. It made us frogs happy. We couldn't see one another, in our separate packets, but we knew that our hearts were still beating.

That is probably why it was played in the hospital, says Gaius. To cheer up the patients.

What about 'You don't love me any more'? says Nerida.

Not that part, says Gaius. But the overarching sentiment is that life will go on.

Exactly, says Freddy

Exactly, says Terence.

Oops! He probably shouldnt have said it, with his mouth full.

Many Times I've Cried

That was fun, says Nerida. 

Want me to sing it again? asks Terence.

No, says Katherine. Who's next in the program?

The Kroombit tinker, says Nerida.

I look forward to hearing this, says Gaius. 

Maybe you should record it on your phone, says Nerida.

Excellent idea, says Gaius. 

Start singing, says Terence. Wait, stop.

I hadn't started, says the Kroombit tinker.

Can I have another marshmallow? asks Terence.

No, says Katherine. Remember what happened the last time?

Nothing, says Terence.

Fortunately, says Katherine. 

I promise I won't swallow it, says Terence.

No, says Katherine. But who else would like one?

I'll have one, says Gaius. 

Ready? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Ready, says Nerida. 

The long and winding road (sings the Kroombit tinker) 

that leads to your door

will never disappear...

Stop! says Gaius. I haven't pressed record. Would you mind starting again.

All right, says the tinker.

The long and winding road.......I've seen that road before

Ha ha, laughs Terence.

What's so funny? asks the Kroombit tinker.

You didn't start again, says Terence.

I did start again, says the Kroombit tinker. But I left the next two lines out.

Just keep going, says Nerida. I'm recording it too.

Good idea, says Gaius.

Many times I've been alone and many times I've cried .....sings the tinker

Fascinating, says Gaius.

The tinker didn't write it, says Nerida. I googled it. It was Paul McCartney.

Nevertheless, says Gaius, The Kroombit tinker has chosen it as her favorite.

Paul McCartney! says Katherine. He wrote some fine songs.

He wrote this one in Scotland, says Nerida.

Scotland! says Katherine. What was he doing there?

May I continue? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Certainly, says Gaius. 

Don't mind us, says Nerida. We can edit it afterwards, and cut out our comments.

I hope you know how to do that, says Gaius. Because I don't.

I do, says Nerida.

The wild and windy night (sings the Kroombit tinker) that the rain washed away, has left a pool of tears, crying for the day....

Would you mind singing that again? asks Gaius.

Yes I would mind, says the tinker.

You can replay it, if you want to hear it again, whispers Nerida. 

Of course, yes, says Gaius. Carry on, tinker

He pops the marshmallow that he had accepted from Katherine into his mouth.

Terence watches it go. 

A Relevant Rhyme

 Am I next? asks Terence.

Yes, you're next, says Nerida. Attention everyone! Terence will now sing the Frog Song.

I'm on the frog team (sings Terence)

And so I know....

What's the last line going to be? asks Freddy.

You have to wait for it, says Terence.

What if I don't like it? asks Freddy.

I might change it, says Terence. If you let me change the last line of yours.

What's the last line of yours, Freddy? asks Nerida.

It ended when you said goodbye, sings Freddy.

That's good, says Terence. You don't have to change it.

Thank you, says Freddy

So I don't have to change mine, says Terence. Shall I start again or keep going?

Keep going, says Gaius. Or we'll be here all night.

Frogs have different voices (sings Terence)

Some high and some low.

Bonk-bonk, sings the pobblebonk.

Stop that, says Terence.

Just giving an example, says the pobblebonk.

Of high or low? asks Terence.

Middle, says the pobblebonk.

Then it wasn't even an example, says Terence.

It was an average example, says the pobblebonk.

Gaius shakes his head.

Can I keep singing? asks Terence.

Yes, says Katherine. Take no notice of silly interruptions.

Some bark and some click (sings Terence).

AAAAAND!....

Everyone waits for it.

Will Terence have thought of a good rhyme for click?

You left out 'some bonk and some tink', says the pobblebonk.

I'm changing it, says Terence.

He keeps singing.

Some bark and some tink, AAAAND!

Some have a Y!

Is that a reference to me? asks Freddy.

Yes, says Terence. Because the Y in your head makes you different. 

That's lovely, says Nerida. Even if it doesn't rhyme.

Wait, says Terence. The rhyme's coming.

AAAND... Freddy is that guy! sings Terence.

Everyone claps, even the pobblebonk.

It's truly a relevant rhyme.

Lost To You Forever

Katherine returns to her tent.

She comes back with a packet of marshmallows. White ones and pink ones.

Can we have a campfire? asks Nerida.

I think not, says Gaius.

We'll imagine a campfire, says Katherine. Anyone got anything orange?

Orange? says Gaius. 

To look like a campfire, says Katherine.

How about a red apple? says Gaius.  You can imagine it's an orange, standing in for a campfire.

Don't be ridiculous, says Katherine.

You guys are funny, says Nerida. We can just eat the marshmallows cold.

Good idea, says Katherine. Right. Is everyone ready for my song? 

Can I have a marshmallow? asks Terence.

No, says Katherine. What do you think, Gaius?

Why not? says Gaius. If he promises not to swallow it until it's completely dissolved.

Yes! says Terence. I promise.

Katherine gives him a marshmallow. A pink one.

She then starts to sing.

What is life to me, without thee? What is life if thou art de-ead? Wha-at i-is li-ife if thou art dead? Now everyone join in the chorus: Euridice!....... Euridice! and put some feeling into it.

What's the  feeling? asks Freddy.

Agony, says Katherine. You've done something stupid and turned back to look at her. She is lost to you forever. Try it!

You're a deechy! sings Freddy.

That's wrong, says the pobblebonk. 

You try, says Freddy.

Why is she a deechy? asks Terence. Oops!

What is it? asks Katherine.

I swallowed it, says Terence.

Was it nearly all melted? asks Nerida. Perhaps it won't matter.

Open your mouth, says Gaius.

Terence opens his mouth. Gaius peers into it.

This reminds me of Katherine's song, says Gaius. The marshmallow is lost to us forever.

A sweet scented burp confirms his analogy.

Hoo Hoo Hoo

Get away! cries Freddy.

What's happening? asks Gaius.

The pobblebonk tried to lick me, says Freddy.

I was just being funny, says the pobblebonk.

You two will have to sit apart, says Katherine. Freddy, come and sit next to me.

I can't, says Freddy.

Can we start singing? asks Terence.

Yes, says Katherine. Whose song will we sing first?

Let's draw up a program, says Nerida. What's yours, Katherine?

I do like that one from Gluck's opera, says Katherine. The one that goes (she sings) Whaaat iis liiiife, liife wii-thout you, whaat iis life if thou art dead?

That's so beautiful, says Nerida. What's it about?

Orpheus has just lost Euridice, says Katherine. 

Oh yeah, says Nerida. I know that story, we did it in school.

Perhaps its too sad for our singalong, says Katherine.

No way! says Nerida. Did you like it, Terence?

Yes, says Terence. It's like when a dog dies.

Hardly, says Katherine. Although I suppose there are similarities.

So your song's first, says Nerida. Then who?

Me, says Terence. My Frog Song is ready.

What's the last line going to be? asks Freddy.

Lick, says Terence.

That's not a line, says Freddy. What's coming after 'some bark and some click'? 

And chocolate frogs wait for a lick, says the pobblebonk.

No they don't, says Freddy.

I wasn't going to sing that, says Terence.

What then? asks Freddy.

Wait and see, says Terence.

Okay who's going after Terence? asks Nerida.

How about me? says the Kroombit tinker.

Yes, The Long and Winding Road, says Nerida. That weird song. Then who?

Me, says Freddy.

What's yours again? asks Nerida

The End of the World, says Freddy.

It ended when you said goodbye, sings the pobblebonk.

You're the one who'll be saying goodbye, says Freddy.

These are all fairly sad songs, says Nerida.

Except for mine, says Terence.

Depends on the last line you come up with, says Nerida.

Don't worry, says Terence.

Okay, says Nerida. Then we'll sing Gaius's Latin song. Then mine, Shake it Off, by Taylor Swift. Everyone can join in the chorus.

What's the chorus? asks Terence.

Shake it off, hoo hoo hoo, sings Nerida.

That is catchy, says Katherine.

And the last song will be the pobblebonk's, says Nerida. Wop Bop or whatever.

Tutti Frutti, says the pobblebonk. That's its real name.

Which reminds me, says Katherine. Who here likes marshmallows?

Lick Yourself

Nerida arrives with Greedy.

Ready for the singalong? asks Nerida.

Nearly, says Terence. What rhymes with click?

Stick, says Nerida. Thick, sick, kick....

That's enough icks, says Terence. Choose one, Freddy.

None of them are good, says Freddy.

What's this for? asks Nerida.

My Frog Song, says Terence. The last line has to rhyme with 'some bark and some click'.

And have me in it, says Freddy.

Ooh! says Nerida. Let me think now...How about lick?

Perfect! says Terence. Because he's made out of chocolate!

That's what I was thinking, says Nerida.

But it's supposed to be a sound that I make, says Freddy.

You don't make one, says Terence. But some people lick loudly.

Ha ha, laughs the pobblebonk. Your sound is when sombody licks you!

That's embarrassing, says Freddy. 

No, it's cool, says Nerida. 

Okay. Cool. If she says so.

Gaius appears. 

I hear we'll be having a singalong, says Gaius. That will be jolly.

Do you have a favourite song? asks Nerida.

Certainly, says Gaius. But it's in Latin and most of you will not know it.

You can teach us, says Nerida. 

Now? asks Gaius.

Is it long? asks Nerida.

Not too long, says Gaius. It is short, like its subject.

Start singing, says Nerida. We'll try to pick it up.

Gaudeamus igitur, (sings Gaius), juvenes dum suuu-mus!

Terence laughs.

You may laugh, says Gaius. The words mean let us rejoice, while we are young.

Woop! says Terence.

That's nice, says Nerida, 

It starts off that way, says Katherine. Then it becomes darker.

Katherine has appeared, drawn by Gaius's singing.

It is realistic, says Gaius.

Why? asks Nerida. What comes after?

Nos habebit humus, says Katherine. The earth will have us. Are we happy with that for our singalong?

Maybe if we don't sing it last, says Nerida. We can finish with something up-beat.

Like my song, says the pobblebonk. Wop Bop a Loo Bop.

Yes, says Nerida. Or mine. Shake it Off.

I don't know those songs, says Gaius. Are they modern?

Well this is going to be fun, says Katherine. Shall we sit in a circle?

They all sit in a circle. 

The pobblebonk sits next to Freddy

Lick-lick, says the pobblebonk.

Lick yourself, says Freddy.

Bonk Tink Bark Click

Freddy is thinking of songs.

He must have heard a few, in his lifetime.

There were tunes in the Freddo Frog factory.

And tunes in the hospital foyer.

Someone played a piano.

Whyyyy does the sun go on shiiiining? diddley dee....

And there was he, Freddy, in his Freddo frog wrapper, inside a large packet, dark and airless, and that song was uplifting.

Yes, that's his favourite song!

Terence comes back with the pobblebonk.

When are we starting? asks Freddy.

When the others come, says Terence.

I've remembered my favourite song, says Freddy. 

Is it a fast one? asks the pobblebonk.

No, it's about things that keep happening, even when you're in a dark place, says Freddy.

What things? asks Terence.

The sun keeps on shining, says Freddy. And the birds keep on singing. 

And where's the dark place? asks Terence.

The Freddo Frog wrapper, says Freddy. 

That's a good favourite song, says Terence. I'm going to make mine up now.

How can it be your favourite if you haven't made it up yet? asks Freddy.

Yes, how? asks the pobblebonk.

If I make it up, it'll be my favourite, says Terence. Now be quiet while I start tuning.

He hums. Hum hum de hum. 

Inspiration comes quickly.

A frog song! says Terence. And you frogs are in it.

Go on, sing it, says the pobblebonk.

I'm on the frog team, (sings Terence)

And so I know

All frog voices are different 

Some high and some low

Some bonk and some tink

And some bark and click.

He stops singing.

Those are good rhymes, says the pobblebonk.

Where was I in it? asks Freddy.

It's not finished, says Terence. You'll be the frog who makes the sound that rhymes with click.

Or tink, says the pobblebonk.

Why not bonk? asks Freddy.

It has to be at the end of a line, says Terence. 

Some tink and bonk, suggests Freddy.

Or click and bark, says the pobblebonk.

It's my song, says Terence.

We're just helping, says Freddy. 

What Is That, Gothic?

Nerida is sitting outside her tent.

Terence sees her.

Freddy's gone soft again, says Terence.

Help me! says Freddy.

Give him to me, says Nerida. I'll cool him down.

Terence gives Freddy to Nerida.

She takes a tissue out of her pocket, and places Freddy on it.

Don't worry, I haven't used it, says Nerida.

That's good, says Freddy. Will you fan me?

She fans him.

The Kroombit tinker hops by.

How's Freddy? asks the Kroombit tinker. 

Getting fanned, says Terence. 

He'll be okay, says Nerida.

Are you sure you haven't used it? asks Freddy. 

Not for blowing my nose, says Nerida. Maybe for dabbing.

Dabbing what? asks Freddy.

Food spills, says Nerida. Nothing toxic.

Keep fanning, says Freddy. The sooner I get off this tissue the better.

Yes, says the Kroombit tinker. You need to be better before the singalong.

Are we having a singalong? asks Nerida. Whose idea?

Mine, says the Kroombit tinker. It's to get rid of the pobblebonk. But it'll be fun too.

Great says Nerida. We can sing Taylor Swift songs.

Maybe one Taylor Swift song, says the Kroombit tinker. 

Can I choose a song ? asks Terence.

Everyone gets to choose one, says the Kroombit tinker. What's your favourite?

I haven't got one, says Terence. I might make one up.

Mine is The Long and Winding Road, says the Kroombit tinker. 

I don't know it, says Nerida.

I'll sing it, says the Kroombit tinker:

The loooong and wiiiinding rooooaaad, will never disappeeeer, I've seen that road befoooore....

Woa! says Nerida. What is that, Gothic?

The Beatles, says the Kroombit tinker, offended.

Okay, says Nerida. Sorry. I guess we can learn it. Does it get any faster?

No, says the Kroombit tinker. That's the point. It just keeps on going and you never quite get there.  

No worries, says Nerida. Feeling better yet, Freddy?

Yes, says Freddy. When's the singalong?

Why not now? asks Nerida.

I'll get the pobblebonk, says Terence.

I'll find Katherine, says Nerida.

I'll tell Gaius, says the Kroombit tinker.

Everyone has gone off. 

Freddy is left behind on the non toxic tissue.

Good. This will give him some time to come up with a favorite song.

Bop-A-Loo-Bop

 I think that will do for now, says Gaius. Will you be staying?

Yes, says the Kroombit tinker. I promised to speak to the pobblebonk.

Of course, says Gaius. Do ask him to stop following me.

Haven't you asked him already? asks the Kroombit tinker.

I have, says Gaius. But it might be better coming from a fellow amphibian.

I can but try, says the Kroombit tinker. What say I sweeten the message?

Whatever works, says Gaius.

The Kroombit tinker hops back to Terence's tent and stops at the mesh inner door.

Yoo-hoo! calls the Kroombit tinker.

Bonk-bonk! comes from deep within.

Come in Kroomy, says Terence. I'm saving the pobblebonk.

I know, says the Kroombit tinker. I've come to speak to him. May I?

Okay, says Terence. He's listening.

Bonk-bonk! says the pobblebonk, to prove that he is.

Where is he exactly? asks the Kroombit tinker.

At the feet end with Freddy, says Terence.

Isn't it a bit warm there for Freddy? asks the Kroombit tinker. 

Bumhole! says Terence. I'll go down to the feet end and see.

Terence crawls head first down to the feet end.

It's warm down there, at the feet end.

He grasps Freddy.

The Kroombit tinker was right! 

Terence's fingers are making finger dents in Freddy's soft body.

Get me out of here! mutters Freddy.

Terence wriggles out of his tent, backwards, still grasping Freddy.

The Kroombit tinker goes in.

Bonk-bonk!

She makes her way to the feet end.

Didn't you promise to stop doing bonk-bonks? asks the Kroombit tinker.

I thought it would be all right in here, says the pobblebonk.

Well, it isn't, says the Kroombit tinker. We can hear you outside.

I'll stop, says the pobblebonk. But I'm not going.

That's why I'm here, says the Kroombit tinker. You don't have to go yet.

Yet? says the pobblebonk.

We're having a singalong, says the Kroombit tinker, and you're invited. I guess you like singing?

Bonk...I mean, yes, says the pobblebonk.

What's your favourite song? asks the Kroombit tinker. We could all sing it.

A-Wop-Bop-A-Loo-Bop! says the pobblebonk.

Early rock 'n roll! says the Kroombit tinker. That doesn't surprise me. Do you know The Long and Winding Road? 

I love that one, says the pobblebonk.

We'll sing that too, says the Kroombit tinker. After which you may go with our blessing.

The pobblebonk thinks that a singalong sounds kind of tempting. 

Animal Urges

I wonder if I could press you to speak English? says Gaius.

What did I say? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Tink tink, says Gaius.

Apologies, says the Kroombit tinker. Could you repeat the question?

How long have you been here? asks Gaius.

Several months now, says the Kroombit tinker.

And how do you find it? asks Gaius.

Dull as ditchwater, says the Kroombit tinker. There was always something going on at Currumbin. Beeps, hisses, thermometers, pokings. That sort of thing. And we used to have singalongs. And then there was the library, I went there a lot. 

Did you have survival lessons? asks Gaius.

What do you think? asks the Kroombit tinker. Short answer: no. I think they thought survival would come naturally.

Or not, as the case might be, says Gaius.

Or not, says the Kroombit tinker.

Have you and your cohort succeeded in producing live progeny? asks Gaius.

Tink tink, says the Kroombit tinker.

Is this a sore point? asks Gaius.

It's an existential question, says the Kroombit tinker. We've had many inconclusive debates as to whether reproducing our species is a wise option.

Jumping Jupiter! says Gaius. Surely you believe that it is!

Not necessarily, sys the Kroombit tinker. Most of us have become fatalistic, since being dropped here.

Yes, but surely you have animal urges, says Gaius. 

We still enjoy singalongs, says the tinker.

Fascinating, says Gaius. May I ask, what is it you sing?

The Long and Winding Road is our favourite, says the Kroombit tinker.

I don't believe I know it, says Gaius. What a pity Arthur isn't here. He would know it.

Is he the one who nearly ate Freddy? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Why yes! says Gaius. That is he.

He? says the Kroomit tinker. Why not him?

Strictly speaking 'he' is the more correct English, says Gaius.

I must remember that, says the Kroombit tinker. That is he.

Gaius presses the red button to pause the video at this point.

The interview is veering off track.

Tech-Savvy Frog

Well, dear, says Katherine, I think Gaius is waiting to talk you you.

I know, says the Kroombit tinker. But I promised to talk to the pobblebonk.

And then you must have a heart to heart talk with Greedy, says Katherine. What a night for you!

It's a better night than most I've had here, says the Kroombit tinker.

Gaius pokes his head into Katherine's tent.

Finished your chat with the tinker? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Katherine. Is that pobblebonk still here?

Terence is saving it, says Gaius. It's in his tent at the moment.

I thought I could hear it, says Katherine.

Do you want me to speak to it? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Later, says Gaius. Will you come to my tent now?

Sure, says the Kroombit tinker.

She follows Gaius to his tent.

Gaius takes out his notebook and ....drat! where is his pencil?

What's the trouble? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Why is there never a pencil when you need it? says Gaius.

Use your phone, says the Kroombit tinker.

What for? asks Gaius. To ring up Officeworks and order a pencil?

You are funny, laughs the Kroombit tinker. I mean make a video of the interview. You won't need a pencil.

Well! says Gaius. I had not expected a Kroombit tinker to be so tech-savvy.

You forget, I was brought up in captivity, says the tinker. I learned all sorts of things.

Of course, such as reading, says Gaius. Simone de Beauvoir, no less.

Switch it on, and let's get started, says the Kroombit tinker.

Right, says Gaius. Let's hope I'm not low on battery.

Is he? No he isn't.

He presses a few buttoms, ending on the red one, for a video.

Eighth of May, says Gaius. Interview with a female Kroombit tinker. Question one, how long have you been here?

Tink tink! says the Kroombit tinker.

Of Least Concern

Katherine and the Kroombit tinker are getting on well.

It seems Katherine has read The Inseparables.

Will you tell me the ending? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Are you sure you want to know? says Katherine. It's sad.

Not as sad as not knowing, says the Kroombit tinker.

You shall be the judge of that, says Katherine.You may need a tissue. Andrée dies.

O no! says the Kroombit tinker. Poor Andrée What does she die of ?

Stifling convention and religion, says Katherine.

How does it happen? asks the Kroombit tinker.

She simply dies, says Katherine. She cannot reconcile her desires with societal expectations.

I thought she was going to get married, says the Kroombit tinker.

Eventually, says Katherine. But she was advised by her family to put it off. Her fiancé agreed. He wanted to finish his studies.

How sad, says the Kroombit tinker. What happened to her friend who was telling the story?

She became Simone de Beauvoir, says Katherine. No one told HER what to do.

So the story is true, says the Kroombit tinker.

It's a fictionialised version of their friendship, says Katherine. 

I'd like to write something like that, says the Kroombit tinker.

Do you have a close friend? asks Katherine.

No, says the Kroombit tinker. 

Perhaps you should make one, says Katherine.

I'm supposed to be having a talk with the pobblebonk, says the Kroombit tinker.

I meant a female friend, says Katherine. How about Greedy?

Greedy is nice, says the Kroombit tinker. Do you think she has problems with stifling expectations? 

You should ask her, says Katherine.

It is at this point that Terence runs up, looking for Gaius.

Where's Gaius?

In his tent, says Katherine.

Gaius is in his tent, perusing his notes by torchlight.

He looks up.

Has Katherine finished speaking to the Kroombit tinker? asks Gaius. I didn't want to interrupt them.

Yes! says Terence. I mean, I don't know. Guess what? I'm saving the pobblebonk!

It doesn't need saving, says Gaius. Its status is 'of least concern'.

It's in my tent, at the feet end, says Terence.

It will bonk-bonk all night, says Gaius. 

It promised not to, says Terence.

We'll see, says Gaius.

(bonk-bonk)

A faint bonk-bonk is heard, coming from two tents down, at the feet end.

Nice Bonk-Bonk

Who said bonk-bonk? asks Terence.

The scarlet-sided pobblebonk, says Gaius. Why don't you introduce him to Freddy?

Good idea, says Katherine. They may find they have something in common.

Quite possibly, says Gaius. Where is he?

Bonk-bonk, says the pobblebonk.

Nerida returns Freddy to Terence.

Take them to your tent, says Nerida. 

Okay, says Terence.

He takes Freddy to his tent and the pobblebonk follows.

Nice bonk-bonk, says the pobblebonk.

What is? asks Terence.

This bonk-bonk, says the pobblebonk.

He likes your tent, says Freddy. That's what he's saying.

You're not a bonk-bonk, says the pobblebonk. 

No, says Terence. He's Freddy. He was saved from being eaten by Arthur.

BONK! says the pobblebonk. 

Was I? asks Freddy. 

Yes, says Terence. Have you forgotten?

Who is Arthur? asks the pobblebonk.

None of your business, says Freddy. Suffice to say, he didn't eat me.

Nerida saved you, says Terence.

I would like to be saved, says the pobblebonk. 

You can stay in my tent, says Terence. As long as you don't always bonk-bonk.

I don't always bonk-bonk, says the pobblebonk.

You can stay at the feet end, says Terence.

Bonk-bonk. says the pobblebonk. Ooh, sorry. That's the last time I'll say it.

I'm going to tell Gaius I saved you, says Terence. You and Freddy wait here.

Terence runs off to tell Gaius.

The pobblebonk makes his way to the feet end.

What do you want to be saved from? asks Freddy.

Danger, says the pobblebonk. 

The Kroombit tinker is endangered, says Freddy. Are you?

No, says the pobblebonk. I'm listed as of least concern. 

You're lucky, says Freddy.

Least concern is not lucky, says the pobblebonk. But you wouldn't know, being special.

Special? says Freddy.

That bead in your head, says the pobblebonk. 

Freddy had almost forgotten. 

He hastens to explain how he came to have it, and why he's not special.

So they do have something in common.

Something In English

Darkness, and silence.

Rustle rustle.

Bonk-bonk!

Nerida shoves Freddy into her pocket and takes out her torch.

Is someone there in the shadows?

Yes! but phew! it is Gaius.

Hello, says Gaius. Where's this Kroombit tinker?

Here, says Nerida. How come you knew I had one?

Terence skipped past me, in high spirits, says Gaius. He told me.

Here it is, says Nerida. The Kroombit tinker.

Well done, says Gaius. Let me see. What a beauty!

Thank you, says the Kroombit tinker. 

A female, says Gaius. Come back to the campsite and tell us your story.

We're heading there now, says Nerida. The tinker wants to meet Katherine.

Does she now? says Gaius. That is interesting. Do we know why?

I'm hoping she's read The Inseparables, says the Kroombit tinker.

Extraordinary, says Gaius. 

Bonk-bonk!

What was that? asks Nerida.

That scarlet-sided pobblebonk I located, says Gaius. It's been following me.

Weird, says Nerida.

I fear it's becoming a hindrance, says Gaius.

Would you like me to have a word with it? asks the Kroombit tinker.

If you would, says Gaius. But let us return to camp first.

The campsite is nearby.

Terence is already there, telling Katherine about his successful adventure.

And guess what? Roy lost a stone. He said it in the letter to Granny Greedith. And we looked for it, but it wasn't there, guess why?

Could it be because he lost it before he wrote the letter? asks Katherine.

Yes, says Terence. So we stopped looking.

Very wise, says Katherine. 

Bonk-bonk. 

She hears Gaius and Nerida approaching.

That pobblebonk still following you about? asks Katherine.

Regrettably, yes, says Gaius. But good news! I suppose Terence has told you he found a Kroombit tinker.

Yes, and it wants to meet me, says Katherine. 

Here she is, says Nerida.

Katherine comes face to face with the Kroombit tinker.

The Kroombit tinker is suddenly tongue-tied.

Tink-tink is all she can manage.

What a pretty sound you make, says Katherine.

The Kroombit tinker is encouraged.

She opens her mouth to say something in English.

Bonk-bonk!

Of course, that wasn't her.

Suddenly Dark

Can you carry Freddy? asks Terence.

Sure, says Nerida. Give him to me.

She takes Freddy.

I should be in a bag, says Freddy.

My hands are really cold, says Nerida. So don't worry. Now let's go back to the campsite.

Can I be the leader? asks Terence. 

If you know the way, says Nerida.

Terence flashes his torch in the direction of the campsite.

Go for it, says Nerida. 

Terence leads off with Greedy.

Nerida follows with Freddy.

The Kroombit tinker starts hopping.

Want a lift? asks Nerida.

Thanks, says the Kroombit tinker.

Nerida now has the Kroombit tinker in one hand and Freddy in the other.

She has shoved her torch in her pocket.

If she stays close behind Terence, she won't need it.

Off they go.

What made you go back to the crash site? asks Nerida.

Terence, says Freddy. But Greedy wanted to.

Why? asks Nerida. 

To see the letter to Granny Greedith, says Freddy.

And did she? asks Nerida.

Yes, says Freddy. 

It was quite moving, says the Kroombit tinker. 

Cool, says Nerida. I guess that means you can read?

Yes, says the Kroombit tinker. And there's precious little to read in these parts.

Poor you, says Freddy.

I was in the middle of a short novel before I got dumped here, says the Kroombit tinker.

How annoying, says Nerida. Unless, you were glad.

I wasn't glad, says the Kroombit tinker. I wanted to know the ending. Why would I be glad?

I was thinking about school, says Nerida. English. We had to read Cloudstreet by Tim Winton. It was long.

But didn't you want to know the ending? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Fish drowns, says Nerida. But you didn't have to read it to know that.

Do you know the ending of The Inseparables? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Never heard of it, says Nerida. But I bet Katherine has. She likes reading.

Who's Katherine? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Nerida explains that Katherine is there as her chaperone because otherwise her dad wouldn't have let her come on this trip for her work experience, mainly because of Arthur, but now Arthur has gone off somewhere, and she doesn't need a chaperone. But yes, Katherine is helping Gaius look for Kroombit tinkers, which she doesn't have to do, because frogs aren't her thing. She's a good person.

And she likes reading, says the Kroombit tinker. 

Yes, says Nerida. Hey, where are we?

It is suddenly dark.

It's Not A Competition

I wonder if we'll be in trouble, says Greedy.

We won't be in trouble, says Terence. The Kroomby knows the way.

Kroombit, says the Kroombit tinker.

I said that, says Terence.

I meant when we get back to the others, says Greedy. 

We didn't tell them where we were going, says Freddy.

Woop, says Terence. They didn't tell us where THEY were going.

They might think we're lost, says Greedy.

Well we aren't, says Terence. And when we get back we'll be heroes.

Why? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Because we found you, says Terence. You're the frog they're all looking for.

Just me? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Yes, says Terence.

No, says Greedy. You and other frogs like you. Gaius wants to know how you're doing.

So who is this Gaius? asks the Kroombit tinker.

A man who counts dangerous species, says Terence.

Endangered species, says Greedy.

I said that, says Terence.

So he'll want to count me, says the Kroombit tinker.

Ha ha, laughs Terence. That's easy.

So maybe I don't need to come, says the Kroombit tinker.

You'd better come, says Freddy. They might not believe us.

True, says the Kroombit tinker. I should make an appearance.

They wander on in the flickering torchlight, under the blue gums. 

The blue gums look like dark menacing figures.

One of the dark menacing figures is flashing a light.

Maybe it isn't a blue gum.

What are you doing out here? asks Nerida, stepping out with a torch.

Guess what? says Terence.

Oh! says Nerida. Well done! You've found a Kroombit tinker. 

Has Gaius found any? asks Terence.

No, says Nerida. Only a bumpy rocketfrog  and a scarlet-sided pobblebonk.

Yay! says Terence. We're the winner!

It's not a competition, says Nerida. 

Types Of Freedom

Time to leave the crash site.

But which way to go?

This way, says Freddy.

That feels wrong, says Greedy.

Follow me, says the Kroombit tinker.

That way? asks Freddy.

Yes, says the Kroombit tinker. Spot on.

Lead the way, says Terence.

Freddy can lead the way with me, says the Kroombit tinker.

No he can't, says Terence. Because I have to carry him.

I keep forgetting, says the Kroombit tinker.

I don't, says Freddy.

I'll hold you down low, says Terence.

This is kind of Terence, to hold Freddy down low, so that he can converse with the Kroombit tinker, who is leading the way.

It must be hard being you, says the Kroombit tinker.

I'm used to it, says Terence.

I meant Freddy, says the Kroombit tinker.

He isn't hard, says Terence. I am.

Do you MIND? asks Freddy.

I think Freddy would like to talk to the Kroombit tinker, says Greedy.

Okay, says Terence. 

So how about you and I leave them to it? says Greedy.

Thanks, says Freddy.

How can we leave them to it? asks Terence. 

We can ...I don't know, ... look around and make comments, says Greedy.

What about? asks Terence.

The plants, says Greedy. For example, what do you think that one might be?

How should I know? says Terence.

Lesser joyweed, says the Kroombit tinker.

Wow! says Freddy. 

And that one's a hairy silkpod, says the Kroombit tinker.

You know a lot, for a frog that hasn't been here all that long, says Freddy.

There's not much to do here, says the Kroombit tinker. 

At least you have freedom, says Freddy. Even more than the stones have.

Stones? says the Kroombit tinker. They don't have freedom. 

What about the ones that were stuck between Terence's toes? asks Freddy.

Even less so, says the Kroombit tinker.

But then they got free, says Freddy. Isn't that a type of freedom?

Know what I think? says the Kroombit tinker.

We're lost! says Terence.

No, says the Kroombit tinker. I think Freddy needs his independence.

O yes, says Freddy. Imagine. Going wherever I please.

Me too, says Greedy. What we need is motorised transport.

I was thinking of moveable legs, says Freddy.

We should ask Gaius, says Terence. He might know how to get them. Are we there yet?

The Kroombit tinker looks around at the bitterbarks and cottonbushes.

Tink! No. Not yet.