I wonder: Are the insects in panel 1 some kind of metaphor for Rusty and Robbie?

So you didn’t want any friction on your father-son event, Mark? Whose bright idea was it to invite the other kids along? And why agree to do that if your aim is to build up your relationship with little carrot-top?

Ian’s memory is a bit off. Unicorns were not inspired by narwhals, though the tusk of narwhals during the European Middle Ages was thought to come from unicorns and possess medicinal/magical power. Anyway, the narwhal reference is a blessing for Mark who hopes his recitation on the subject (perhaps we’ll read more about it on Sunday) will distract the kids while Mark glides across the water to. . . someplace.