A Difficult Finish

Leave her alone, said Decca. She's not riding.

That's right, said Karko. She's not. But we are. When is this Tour Down Under?

Next weekend, said Ageless. We'd better get practising.

And where is it? asked Decca.

Ageless wasn't sure.

Somewhere down south, he said vaguely.

Starpuss pushed up against one of his legs in a manner suggestive of life.

Are you dead or aren't you? said Ageless.

Starpuss floated away.

Suddenly Ageless became aware that someone was calling him from the edge of the sand.

He turned round. It was Kobo!

Kobo! he cried. You came!

Yes I did, said Kobo, and it took me FOREVER. Who are these?

Karko and Decca, said Ageless. My friends.

And? said Kobo, looking at Starpuss.

Their dead girlfriend, said Ageless. She's just leaving.

Dead? said Kobo. But you said she was leaving.

Starpuss undulated gently towards the shore.

Excuse me, said Kobo, agitating the water.

Leave our girlfriend alone, said Karko.

Starpuss floated away.

Ageless, said Kobo, Baby Pierre and Lavender went home last night. They watched the news. Most of the riders are already here practising. The race ends at the top of Willunga Hill. It's the first time it's been such a difficult finish. And....I don't know how to say this....but...

What, my beloved? asked Ageless.

Oh dear, said Kobo. Team Philosophe is determined to get you disqualified!