He Is Not Sideways

Margaret heads down the Hume Highway, towards Canberra.

Katherine gazes out of the window, at trees.

Gaius, in the back seat,  peruses his notes on the green and golden bell frog.

Terence is whispering to Prawny.

Because Prawny has whispered to Terence that he's feeling scared.

Nothing bad will happen, whispers Terence.

Except I'll get drier and drier, whispers Prawny.

So drink water, whispers Terence.

What are you two whispering about? asks Gaius.

Prawny wants a drink of water, says Terence.

Gaius doesn't have any water.

I have water, says Katherine. He can have some of mine.

She hands Gaius a bottle of springwater.

Easier said than done, says Gaius. 

Tip some into your hand, says Katherine.

Hold these notes Terence, says Gaius.

He gives Terence his notes.

Then he unscrews the lid from the bottle of springwater, and tips some into his hand.

With his other hand he lifts Prawny up to the water.

Swuurp-ahh! says Prawny, sucking up a small amount of water.

Can you finish it? asks Gaius.

No, says Prawny. I don't want to vomit.

Curses, says Gaius. Now what do I do?

What's the matter, Gaius? asks Margaret.

I have a handful of water, says Gaius.

For goodness sake, says Margaret. Just suck it up.

Gaius is obliged to suck up the water, which tastes vaguely of prawn.

He dries his hand on his chinos.

Notes please, Terence, says Gaius.

Wait, says Terence. I want to look at the bell frog I coloured.

The bell frog is on the first page.

Look Prawny, says Terence. 

I saw it before, says Prawny. 

Yes but this is a lesson, says Terence.

Okay, what's the lesson? asks Prawny.

Close your eyes, says Terence. 

I've only got one eye, says Prawny. This other one's my mouth hole

Close the eye hole, says Terence. Now what does the green and golden bell frog looks like?

Green and golden, says Prawny.

I gave you a clue, says Terence.

Okay, don't give me a clue, says Prawny.

What else does it look like? asks Terence.

Warty, says Prawny. And with one beady eye.

That's because it's sideways, says Terence. 

Yes, says Gaius. This is a side view. They have, in fact,  two beady eyes.

Okay, says Prawny. I get it.

But he is not happy, because he's not sideways, and has only one eye.

It's a useful thing you're doing, Terence, says Gaius. Prawny can help us spot frogs.

He may even attract them, says Margaret. 

Prawny cheers up, not having understood what she is implying.