"Carlos, my dear, your father was merely jesting with you. He concocted that tale of the California bog monster because he knows how your heart leaps at the thought of enigmatic and mystical creatures," Kendall asserts.
"My Papi would never deceive me. If it were a jest, he would have disclosed it to me," Carlos retorts.
"Of course, he wouldn't reveal it as a jest. That would strip away the mirth and amusement," James interjects.
"It is genuine! The California bog monster exists!" Carlos exclaims. "No one believes me! You all assume my mind is addled! But it is not! My Papi has instilled in me the fortitude to stand firm in my convictions."
"Your father is an extraordinary man, but he also possesses a remarkable sense of humor and a penchant for jesting. From whom do you think you inherited that trait? It is from him," Logan remarks.
"Logie, I do not expect you to believe me. You are grounded in reality and science. Our mindsets and beliefs do not align," Carlos replies.
"I believe you, Carlos. If you genuinely believe that the California bog monster is real and that your father once encountered it, then it must be true," Katie affirms.
"Finally, someone who comprehends me. Thank you, my princesà," Carlos says, embracing her warmly.
"I have faith in him as well," Camille declares.
"Don't feed into his delusions, Cami!" Logan warns.
"I only wanted to show support," Camille explains.
"It's okay. Carlos will forever hold onto his belief in the California bog monster. He's a dedicated conspiracy enthusiast," Logan adds.
"Can you believe my Papi would deceive me about the California bog monster? I refuse to accept that notion. I must contact him immediately to uncover the truth," Carlos declares as he dials his father's number.
Kendall's expression changes to one of concern, mirroring James' reaction.
"Hello? Carlos, what's wrong?" Officer Garcia inquires upon answering the call.
"Papi, everything is not okay. The storm outside is raging, and I can only think of one explanation: the California bog monster. James and Kendall think you were pulling my leg when you told me about encountering it. They claim you fabricated the story to indulge my love for fantasy creatures. Please tell me it's not true, Papi. You wouldn't deceive me, would you?" Carlos pleads.
"Wow, Carlos. That story I shared with you had a grain of truth, but it seems my tired mind played tricks on me. It wasn't a monster I saw, just woodland creatures darting about. Maybe it was the exhaustion and diet pills causing me to see things. I apologize for the false alarm," Officer Garcia admits.
"Oh...so my pals were right all along. The California bog monster is just a figment of my imagination. Thanks, Papi. Sorry for bothering you with such a silly tale. I must've distracted you from important tasks. Goodbye," Carlos says with a dejected tone before ending the call. "You can gloat now, Kendall and James. I admit defeat. My foolish mind led me to believe in a myth. I feel like a fool."
"We understand that you may already be feeling down, and we don't want to add to that negativity," Kendall assures.
"It's alright that you made a mistake about the California bog monster," James reassures.
"I don't want to be proven wrong about it. It's possible that something like that could actually exist someday," Carlos expresses.
"Carlos, it's better to let it exist in your imagination," Logan suggests.
Suddenly, Ms. Knight slams her foot hard on the brake pedal, causing everyone to jerk forward violently.
"Mom, what happened? Are you okay?" Kendall asks, concerned.
"I'm fine, sweetheart. I had to stop because the cars in front of me suddenly stopped. It seems like there's a major traffic jam," Ms. Knight explains.
"Ugh! This could take hours to get through. Los Angeles traffic jams are painfully long," James complains.
"They're not that bad, James. We just need to be patient," Ms. Knight advises.
"Your patience is truly a blessing compared to Gustavo's. Whenever the guys and I need to get to a concert venue, we always end up arriving late, and he has the audacity to yell at us about it. What are we supposed to do? Break all the traffic rules just to please him? I'm way too good-looking to get arrested," James says, rolling his eyes at his own vanity.
"James, we won't be the ones getting arrested. It would be the limo driver's fault. But of course, we would never put him in that kind of position. It's simply not fair. He's a nice man," Logan explains.
"Is there any way to expedite the movement of this traffic? It hasn't budged an inch since ten minutes ago when it initially came to a halt," Katie impatiently remarks.
"There's nothing that can be done, Katie. You'll be alright," Ms. Knight responds.
Katie lets out a frustrated groan and sadly gazes out the window.
"Katie, I know I'm not your biological sibling, but I would like to take this opportunity to embrace my role as your surrogate older sister and engage in a fun car game that alleviates boredom during long road trips. Given the current traffic situation, it's the perfect time for it," Camille suggests.
"I suppose I could take a break from playing my video game. Alright, sure, I'll play your car game with you. What's it called?" Katie agrees.
"Would you rather?" Camille answers.
"I love that game. Can I join?" Carlos asks.
"Of course," Camille agrees.
"Alright, um... oh, Logan, would you rather have ten thousand giant ducks with tiny heads or ten tiny heads with giant heads?" Carlos inquires.
"What?" Logan questions, removing an ear pod.
"We're playing 'would you rather?' and I asked you the first question," Carlos clarifies.
"I wasn't aware of that, and I don't want to play," Logan declines.
"Why not?" Carlos wonders.
"Because I have a migraine and just want to sleep," Logan explains.
"Oh, alright. I hope you feel better soon," Carlos responds. "Okay, Katie, I'll ask you the same question. Would you rather have ten thousand giant ducks with tiny heads or ten tiny heads with giant heads?"
"Um, both options would be incredibly amusing to look at. I can't decide," Katie laughs.
"You are absolutely correct," Carlos chuckles in agreement with her.
After the passage of 10 minutes, the game comes to an end.
"Once again, I find myself bored," Katie groans.
"Great news, everyone! The traffic has moved a mere three feet," Kendall announces.
"How can that possibly be good? We are still trapped in it," Katie retorts.
"Why must you be so difficult to please?" Kendall rolls his eyes and resumes texting Jo.
"You guys should engage in a game of punch buggy," James suggests.
"Alright," Carlos agrees. "I spy one! A red punch buggy!" He playfully punches Logan's arm.
"Ouch! Carlos! Why did you strike me? It was my useful arm! The one that is not in a sling! It brings back painful memories. I just had a flashback of the time I was attacked outside the library, which resulted in the arm that is currently in a sling! I explicitly told you that I did not wish to partake in car games! I informed you about my debilitating migraine! I expressed my desire to simply rest! Did you completely disregard everything I said?" Logan expresses his anger.
"I apologize, Logie. I became so caught up in the excitement of the game that I momentarily forgot you were seated beside me. I struck your arm before I even realized what I was doing. Are you alright?" Carlos sincerely asks.
"It's alright. I am fine," Logan reassures.
"James was the one who proposed the game. It is his fault, not Carlos'," Katie defends.
"Such a tattletale," James remarks, rolling his eyes.
"Don't worry James, it's all good. Carlos, my friend, next time you decide to play punch buggy, please remember to be more gentle. The aim is to lightly tap the other person's arm with a closed fist, not deliver a full-blown Rocky punch like Sylvester Stallone. Leave the boxing to the pros," Logan explains, with a wry smile.
"Got it, Logie," Carlos replies sheepishly.
As the traffic starts moving again, Katie's relief is palpable. "Finally, some progress!"
Carlos, however, breaks the moment with his usual candor. "I'm starving."