First Lesson Of The Sea

Do we have to go back in the croissant packet? asks Jean-Botanist.

Up to you, says Ageless. 

Take it with you, in the dinghy, says Captain Baudin. Only use it if needed.

They go round to the back of the lighthouse.

Captain Baudin shows Ageless the dinghy.

Ageless looks at the oars.

He imagines himself rowing down the coast to the Point Lowly campground.

His joints clicking.

Why don't you come with us? says Ageless.

Things to do, says Captain Baudin.

You could row yourself back in the dinghy, says Ageless. 

You'll have to do that, says Captain Baudin.

It's a while since I did any rowing, says Ageless.

You've got these boys to help you, says Captain Baudin.

Us? says Carl-Botanist. Can we row?

Time to prove yourselves! says Captain Baudin. 

Yes, says Ageless. One oar each. I'll instruct you.

The botanists look apprehensive.

Captain Baudin drags his dinghy to a nearby patch of sand.

Hop in, cuttlies, says Captain Baudin. 

We can't, say the botanists.

Ageless lifts them in.

Help me push it into the water, says Captain Baudin.

When do I get in? asks Ageless.

When I tell you, says Captain Baudin.

Ageless and Baudin push the dinghy into the water,

Now, says Captain Baudin.

Ageless adjusts his sunglasses.

He's about to climb in.

Wait! says Ageless. We forgot the croissant packet.

Too late now, says Captain Baudin.

Indeed it is too late now. 

The dinghy has floated away.

First lesson of the sea, says Captain Baudin.

And the last, says Ageless.

It seems like the right thing to say.