BONUS PAGE 33B THE ONES WHO STAYED 🫧

One hundred and forty-five Pondlings had been asked to behave. The Pond never stood a chance. 🌱

THE BOOK OF TAD

BONUS PAGE 33B

THE ONES WHO STAYED 🫧

On one of TurboTAD’s journeys beyond the familiar roots, Sora counted the nursery for the third time.

“One hundred and forty-three. One hundred and forty-four—”

Nibble’s supply basket sneezed ribbonweed.

Ripple burst out laughing.

Sora stared. “You were told to stay where I could see you.”

“You can see me now.”

Nibble peered inside. “Did you find my missing ties?”

“No.”

“Poor inspection.”

Across the nursery, six Pondlings were using Brink’s safety strand as a finish line.

“It means stop,” Brink said.

They turned and raced the other way.

“It still means stop.”

Nearby, Marno’s support pebbles had become a crooked tower. Moss sat beside it, scowling.

“Yours?” Marno asked.

“No.”

The tower leaned. Moss nudged one stone. It straightened.

Marno nodded towards the real supports. “I could use that.”

“I know.”

Moss stayed exactly where he was.

Pip announced lunch. Every troublemaker suddenly behaved.

Everyone except Drift.

He hovered beside the outward passage, watching the water beyond it. Mira joined him.

“What if TurboTAD forgets the way home?” Drift asked.

“He won’t.”

“But home might look different when he comes back.”

Sora had heard. Spare reeds, loose ties and unused stones lay around the nursery.

“Then we’ll give him something he can’t miss.”

Soon Brink guarded the passage, Marno directed Moss and Nibble chased Ripple for the ribbonweed. Pip approved an emergency second lunch. Mira helped Drift place a pale stone at the centre.

Their welcome marker leaned. One reed bent the wrong way. Three Pondlings were tangled in ribbonweed.

It was magnificent.

Drift backed into the passage until only the marker showed between the roots.

“He’ll know this is home.”

Moss inspected the bent reed. “He’ll know someone can’t build.”

Ripple spun free. “He’ll know we did!”

Drift smiled.

Sora counted again.

One hundred and forty-three.

Two giggles came from Nibble’s basket.

Nibble sighed. “I’m charging rent.”