The Dud Pen

Terence returns to the table.

I nearly got a black pen, says Terence.

What do you mean nearly? asks Katherine.

They kept it, says Terence.

Those people you were talking to? asks Katherine.

Yes them, says Terence. Look what they did to my prawn.

Katherine peers at Terence's potato spun prawn.

It has eyes! says Katherine. Look, Margaret.

Margaret looks at the eyes. So does Gaius.

Did you ask them to do it? asks Gaius.

No, says Terence. I asked them if they had a black pen.

It will probably have ruined their pen, says Gaius.

Perhaps you should go across and apologise, says Katherine.

I? says Gaius.

You've finished your dinner, says Katherine. Margaret and I are still struggling.

All right, says Gaius. 

He stands up and walks over to Gerald and the woman.

I've just come to thank you for drawing eyes on our young friend's potato spun prawn, says Gaius. Did it ruin your pen?

We don't think so, says Gerald.

Meaning you havn't tested the pen? asks Gaius. 

No, we haven't, says the woman. Perhaps we should, Gerald.

She takes it out of her handbag.

How shall I test it? asks the woman.

On this paper napkin, says Gerald.

She tries to write something with the pen on the paper napkin.

And fails.

Try spitting on it, says Gerald.

No, Gerald! says the woman. That's disgusting. I'll just have to throw it away.

In that case I must apologise, says Gaius.

Not at all, says the woman. It's all Gerald's fault, really.

Yes it is, says Gerald. Think nothing of it.

May I have the pen, if you're throwing it away? asks Gaius. If I get it working, I'll return it. Are you staying at the motel?

Yes, we are says the woman. That's very kind of you.

I have my own reasons, says Gaius. If I do get it working, young Terence can use it to blacken the eyes of a green and golden bell frog he's colouring.

O how charming! says the woman. I hope you do get it working.

Thank you, says Gaius. I'll let you know in the morning.

He takes the dud pen back to the table, to tell Terence the news.