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.