Coughs On The Map

Are we there yet? asks Terence.

Not yet, says Unni, but we're nearly to.... well, where are we, Magpie?

Nearly to, says the Magpie. How should I know?

He's no good, says Terence. I would know.

Can you read maps? asks Unni.

No......yes, says Terence. 

It's not hard, says Unni. We just keep going north, on the Pacific Highway.

Like everyone else is, say Terence.

Not me, says the Magpie. 

To Newcastle, says Unni. And here we are, arriving in Newcastle already.

Newcastle. 

She heads for a cafe she knows.

Estabar, on the beachfront.

We close at four, says Erin. And it's quarter to four-ish.

That's okay, says Unni. We'll just get drinks. What are you guys having?

Red drinks, says Terence.

Try our Summer Kiss Cold Press, says Erin. It's got watermelon and beetroot in it, and lemon and ginger and mint. And your toothless old dog might like our wild fermented beetroot tonic. 

Farky perks up a little.

Sounds good, says Unni.

That'll be twenty three dollars, says Erin.

That's expensive, says Unni.

Luckily magpies drink water. 

Now Terence is in the front, the new navigator.

Magpie is in the back, with Farky.

This is a crap trip, says the Magpie.

Yudohthay! agrees Farky.

Where's the next place? asks Terence.

Coffs, says Unni. See if you can find it.

Terence has no idea how to even start looking for coughs on the map app.

What do they look like? Wind puffs?

Can I just get in the back for a minute? asks Terence.

I suppose so, says Unni. What for?

Nothing, says Terence.

He undoes his seat belt and scrambles over to the back seat with the map app.

Farky and the Magpie are smirking.

Terence whispers a question.

But they don't know what coughs look like either.