Cool Sunnies

The bus pulls up next to the 24/7 in Port Wakefield.

Fifteen minutes, says Stanley.

Gaius and Denis get out.

Come on Ageless, says Terence.

I'll wait here on the bus, says Ageless.

But you're getting a hat, says Terence.

I'll be here to receive it, says Ageless.

Okay, says Terence. See you later!

He runs to the front of the bus.

Need help getting off? asks Stanley.

No, says Terence. I have perfect balance.

Half your luck, says Stanley. 

Terence jumps off, and runs into the 24/7.

Gaius and Denis are ordering coffee and buns.

What about the hat? asks Terence.

Coffee first, says Gaius. Would you like a red drink?

Yes, says Terence. Then can I look for a new hat for Ageless?

Certainly, says Gaius. 

He orders a Ribena for Terence.

Only red drinks, says Denis. Why is that? 

It's to do with him falling off a cathedral in Barcelona, says Gaius. 

That doesn't explain it, says Denis.

I suppose not, says Gaius. But he does seem to tolerate red drinks with no trouble.

Fair enough, says Denis.

He must tell Henriette. In fact he must reply soon. But he feels like a fool for not knowing about the air bubble curtain....

Terence has spotted a stand displaying beanies and sunglasses.

He goes over.

Bumhole! No red hats.

But there are cool sunglasses with red frames.

Ageless could wear them on top of his head if he wanted.

He runs back to Gaius.

Here's your drink, says Gaius. Did you see a good hat?

No, says Terence, only red sunglasses.

Sunglasses, says Gaius. I wonder.... What are your thoughts, Denis?

Denis Diderot would normally question a lobster's need for sunglasses. And furthermore, would have asked how the lobster could wear them. But Henriette would be amused at the absurdity, and perhaps forget the air bubble curtain....

Let's buy them, says Denis.

They finish their coffee and buns, and head across to the display stand.

The red-framed sunglasses are priced at sixty five dollars. 

Which is more than a hat.