Just the Zeitgeist

Red! said Frog. I'm going red? I knew I felt funny.

Calm down, said Baby Pierre. You're only a pale shade of orange. And you're still green on top.

It's this sunshine, said Frog. I'm going under a tree. And by the way, did I hear you say Sweezus just now?

Yes you did, said Baby Pierre. I was surprised when I saw you'd changed colour.

But I thought you were an atheist and free thinker, said Frog.

So? said Baby Pierre.

Nothing, said Frog. I was just surprised that's all.

Being an atheist and free thinker, said Baby Pierre, does not preclude one from using euphemistic non-blasphemous exclamations.

Yes it does, said Frog.

Not if you can't help it, said Baby Pierre. Some things just slip out.

I know, said Frog. But why do they slip out?

Oh it's just the zeitgeist, said Baby Pierre dismissively. Now, what are we going to do about you? Are you going to sit under that tree or are you coming with me to find the library?

We may as well push on, said Frog. How do I look now?

You look like a toad, said Baby Pierre unkindly.

Breaking Away

Baby Pierre was back in the corner of the window sill with Mummy Pierre and the Manifest Stone. It wasn't long before he became bored.

Mummy, he began, do you think Ageless will ever find Auntie Kobo?

No dear, said his mummy. And I don't think he really wants to. Or that she wants to be found. He is a living creature and she is a fossilised clam. What could they do together?

Yuk! said Baby Pierre. I never thought about that.

Wait till you grow up said Mummy Pierre. Then you will understand. Meanwhile I think you would do well to keep still and contemplate the Manifest Stone.

No, said Baby Pierre. I am off.

What! cried his Mummy. Off where?

I am off to explore the wide world, said Baby Pierre. I want to learn what is on the other side of the window. I want to see the Red Star. I want to go to a Library. I want to find my daddy and see the red knitted hat.

I thought you were afraid of your daddy and the red knitted hat, said Mummy Pierre.

That is why I have to go, said Baby Pierre. I will not fear my daddy and I won't wear the hat. I want to tell him so.

Well, go if you must, said Mummy Pierre, with a sigh. But first say a prayer to the Manifest Stone.

No, I won't, said Baby Pierre. I am an atheist and a free thinker. I don't believe in the Manifest Stone.

Mummy Pierre glanced fearfully at the Manifest Stone.

The Manifest Stone smiled beatifically through its many orifices.