My Blood Brother's Claw

The skybus arrives at the ferry terminal.

Are we there yet? asks Terence.

Yes, says Gaius. This is where we get off.

He carries Terence to the front of the bus and steps off.

He puts Terence down on the footpath.

Wait here with Surfing-with-Whales, says Gaius. I'll buy the tickets.

He goes off to find the ticket office.

I've been on this ferry before, says Terence.

When was that? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

A long time ago, says Terence. With Gaius and Arthur. We had recliners.

Recliners? says Surfing-with-Whales. Were they comfy?

They were broken, says Terence. 

They've probably fixed them by now, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Gaius comes back.

I've  booked the last two recliners for the evening crossing, says Gaius. We board at 6.45.

Cool, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Cool, says Terence.

He looks around for Maurice and his family, but doesn't see them.

Let's grab a coffee, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Excellent suggestion, says Gaius.

They go to a nearby café, and sit down.

Will Morris be on the ferry? asks Terence.

Doubtless, says Gaius. Look, there he is now!

Maurice is in the café with his parents.

Terence runs over.

Morris! says Terence. Have you got a recliner?

No, says Maurice, we've got a room. It's more comfy.

Gaius got the last two recliners, says Terence. I don't need one.

Why? asks Maurice.

I never sleep, says Terence. 

How do you grow? asks Maurice.

I don't says Terence. I'm always the same size.

How come you've got a claw? asks Maurice.

It's my blood brother's claw, says Terence. He's got my finger. They're stuck on with glue.

Who's this? asks Maurice's mother.

The boy on the bus, says Maurice. He's going on the ferry. Can we play together?

Maurice's mother looks at Maurice's father.

Terence looks like a nice little boy, except for the dirty gecko shorts and the claw finger.

Yes, of course, says Maurice's mother. What's your name, dear?

Terence, says Terence. 

And you're going to Tasmania on the ferry? says Maurice's mother.

Yes, says Terence.

With your parents? asks Maurice's father.

No, says Terence. With Gaius and Surfing-with-Whales. 

Unusual name, says Maurice's father.

So is Morris, says Terence.

It's not Morris, says Maurice's mother. It's Maurice.

I don't mind Terence calling me Morris, says Maurice.

Me either, says Terence.

Maurice?

Maurice's mother is weird.