A Hazy Impression

Terence keeps sinking.

Sand is now up to his knees.

Water laps round his bottom.

Gaius has not come.

I'll have to leave you, says Roo-kai.

But you're my parrot! says Terence.

That's why, says Roo-kai.

Roo-kai flies off to find Gaius.

Terence is left alone with his thoughts.

And the cuttlefish, who is still nearby, watching.

Buzz off! says Terence.

Tell me more about horses, says the cuttlefish.

No, says Terence. It's too late. Soon my head will be underwater.

It's not that bad, says the cuttlefish. MY head's underwater.

But that's normal for you, says Terence. My mouth will fill up with water, and my nose and my ears and I won't be able to do anything.

All the more reason, says the cuttlefish.

More reason for what? asks Terence.

To pass on your knowledge about horses, says the cuttlefish. 

That does make sense.

Terence thinks about his knowledge of horses.

They're brown, says Terence. And fat. And they're called Buster.

All of them, says the cuttlefish.

The one I had a ride on, says Terence.

A ride on? asks the cuttlefish.

Yes, says Terence. And you have to get on standing backwards.

I can't picture that, says the cuttlefish.

Come closer, says Terence.

The cuttlefish comes closer.

Now turn around, says Terence.

The cuttlefish turns around.

Now I put my foot in your stirrup, says Terence. And heave up, and bingo!  I'm on you and facing the front.

Terence is pleased with himself for remembering this procedure.

But the cuttlefish is left with a hazy impression of horses.