Half My Problem

 Is this seat vacant? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Monique.

Can Terence sit in it? asks Gaius.

Sure, says Monique.

Gaius goes back to tell Terence.

You can sit with Monique, says Gaius.

Yay! says Terence. He jumps off Pierre-Louis's lap and runs forward.

He didn't take me! says Cwaca.

Perhaps it's for the best, says Gaius. 

How come? asks Cwaca.

You don't seem to know much about coaching, says Gaius. Perhaps we can help you.

I'm a coach without wheels, laments Cwaca. That's half my problem.

What's the other half? asks Pierre-Louis.

Terence hasn't got any wheels either, says Cwaca.

Then we'll start there, says Gaius.

Fine, says Cwaca.

Perhaps we should involve Vello in this, says Gaius. He's the captain of Team Philosophe.

Vello! says David, nudging Vello who is looking out of the aeroplane window, at passing clouds.

What? asks Vello. 

What are the qualities required for a coach? asks Gaius. 

Wheels, says Vello.

I TOLD you! says Cwaca.

Personal qualities, says Gaius. Such as leadership, communication, enthusiasm and commitment.

Oh I see, says Vello. Not a vehicular coach, a sports coach. Who wants to know?

Me, says Cwaca. Apparently I'm not good enough.

Confidence, says Vello. Believe you are good enough. But I see what you mean.

I'm not good enough, says Cwaca.

What you need, says Vello, is a paint job, to make you look more like a parrot.

And your wheels re-attached, says David.

Or alternatively, learn to fly, says Vello. Terence's last parrot could fly.

Roo-kai flew everywhere, says Gaius. Back and forth. Very helpful. 

What happened to him? asks Cwaca.

He remained in Adelaide, says Gaius. You'll probably meet him.

Cwaca does not want to meet him. At least not until he's had a paint job.

The drinks trolley comes by, interrupting the lesson.

Monique's father has come back from the toilet.

Why is this boy in my seat? asks Monique's father.

It was empty, says Monique.

Can't a person go to the toilet, without losing his seat? asks Monique's father.

A reasonable question.