Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Extra Funny Part

It looks a bit comical, says Vello.

That's okay, says Belle. The audience will like it.

What's comical? asks Terence.

You leading Gaius away with the grabber, says Belle. You're kind of low down.

What if I had stilts? asks Terence.

No more props, says Vello. We'll go with it.

I thought it was meant to be funny, says Denis.

Not that part, says Vello.

Well now there's an extra funny part, says Denis. Ouch!

What now? asks Vello.

My ankle, says Denis. It hurts.

Not another damn funny part! snaps Vello.

Sit down Denis, says Belle. I'll find you some ice.

Denis sits down again, and starts rubbing his ankle.

Lucky you don't have a fight scene, says Sweezus.

But I have to fall overboard, says Denis. 

Shit yeah, says Sweezus. 

Belle comes back with the ice.

Your ankle looks very swollen, says Belle. 

I'll manage, says Denis. 

Remember you do have an understudy, says Belle. Should we alert him?

Understudy? asks Vello.

Ageless, remember? says Belle. You agreed.

What possessed me? says Vello.

Forethought, says Belle. 

Vello realises she's right. Yes it was certainly forethought to appoint an understudy for Candide. Pity it had to be a lobster. On the plus side, Ageless has his own red knitted hat.

Alert him, says Vello.

We'll do that, says Gaius. Shall we go Denis? Can you make it down the stairs?

If someone aids me, says Denis.

I'll do it, says Sweezus.

He helps Denis down the stairs. Gaius calls a taxi.

Sweezus comes back up the stairs.

Denis is gutted, says Sweezus.

He didn't look gutted to me, says Vello.

He really wants to be in it, says Sweezus. And his name's on the fliers.

Alors! says Vello. So it is.

Maybe his ankle will be better by tomorrow, says Belle. Or...

Or what? asks Vello.

Or Ageless could act as a stuntperson, says Belle. Denis does everything but fall overboard.

A fine solution, but for one thing, says Vello. Ageless is hardly Denis's double.

Yes. This fact does seem insurmountable


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