Mysterious Area

Was it far? asks Kobo.

Too far, my beloved, says Ageless. And on the way, it grew misty.

It's summer! says Kobo.

I know, says Ageless. But we were in the Blue Mountains. Anything can happen.

What did happen? asks Kobo.

We drove through Leura, says Ageless. The mist thickened to a fog. We could not see the road before us.

We were lost! says Lavender.

We were not lost, says Kobo. We stopped at a clearing, and looked for the trail leading down to the waterfall. The children headed down, with Jean and their mummy. Ageless just stood there.

Hold it, beloved, says Ageless. Since when have you become one of the party?

Since things became dangerous, says Kobo.

Fair enough, says Ageless. You go down, sweetness. I'll wait up here.

I shall go with the Poet, says Kobo. He will assist me.

And me, says Lavender. You'll be all by yourself, Ageless.

See if I care, says Ageless.

Kobo starts down the trail, with Rabbie Burns, and Lavender.

Ageless kicks at an ants' nest. The ants become angry.

Ageless remembers the picnic. It will be eaten down at the bottom, next to the waterfall. White bread rolls with lettuce, tomato and a choice of ham or salami.

He likes salami.

He takes the first steps down, gingerly. The mist lifts a little, revealing an informative trail sign, describing a bird that may or not make an appearance.

Crark-crark.

His claws scrape on the stepping stones.

The path grows steeper.

He hears voices, far below him.

Rabbie Burns, telling Kobo and Lavender how he almost went to Jamaica.

Kobo, replying that she knows someone who went to Barbados.

Lavender, boasting that she once went to China.

Ageless picks up speed, but is still the last one to get to the bottom.

A Japanese couple, sitting on a rock, nod mysteriously. The man has a walking stick. He draws a semi circle in the sand, around where he and his wife are sitting.

My area, says the Japanese man.

Ageless skirts it.

Are there any salami rolls left? No, there were only four of salami, the rest were ham, cheese and salad, except for one, ham-cheese-tomato sauce, Fish's favourite.

Butterfly and Fish are looking for something in the water, with Jean and their mummy.

The waterfall spurts down the black rock face.

Spider webs tremble in the cold branches. The air is chilly.

Rabbie Burns plods over, and squats before Ageless.

The best laid plans of mice and men
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain
For promis'd joy, says Rabbie.

His breath smells of salami.

Ageless is furious.

Who is it comes up with such nonsense?