In The Half World Between

It's about four hours drive from Lake Jasper to Perth, if you don't have to stop at Lake Clifton.

Those in the HiLux do not.

In the HiLux, Arthur receives a phone call.

Hi, says Elodie, it's me. Want to stop off in Mandurah?

What for? asks Arthur.

To wait for us. We're dropping the Dirties off at Lake Clifton.

Can't, says Arthur. We have a tight schedule.

Since when? asks Elodie.

Since Shu has to get to Perth airport by one thirty to catch his flight to Beijing, says Arthur.

Do I? says Shu, unaware of this new condition.

Arthur waves a hand to shut him up.

Okay, says Elodie. See you guys in Perth.

One thirty! says Shu. I had no idea!

Did you want to stop in Mandurah? asks Arthur.

I wouldn't have minded, says Shu.

In the camper, Elodie and Gaius look for the turn-off.

There it is now.

Soon they arrive at Lake Clifton. There is the boardwalk. There are the thrombolites.

Same as they've ever been.

Okay, a quick drop off, says Elodie, opening the tin.

The Dirties are joyful. Lake Clifton. Our friend Mouldy will be here!

Elodie carries the Dirties to the boardwalk.

Bloop bloop.

A thrombolite recognises them.

They remember you, says Elodie. Are you going to ask them about Mouldy?

No, says First Dirty. He'll come up when he sees us

Yes, says Second Dirty. He'll know.

Mouldy has been under water for days now, in a half world between stone and living fossil.

He sees his friends through the distortion of water.

But he has lost the will to rise to the surface.

He lies, looking up at his friends.

There he is, says First Dirty. Come up, champ!

He can't, says Elodie. Do you want me to get him?

Or will you both jump in?