Wisdom From The Mouth

 Gaius is alone in the fossil beds.

He waits for Porntip to come back.

She doesn't. She has not found Terence. The playground is deserted.

She flies down to the shore.

Saint Roley is poking about in the sand for molluscs.

Roley! says Porntip. Terence is missing!

Ey-uh! says Saint Roley. Ai!

No good squeaking, says Porntip.

He'll be with that family, says Saint Roley. We needn't worry.

Unless he isn't, says Porntip.

Eu-hoo, says Saint Roley.

I believe you're reverting to birdhood, says Porntip. I like it.

Perhaps it's not too late to make a nest after all.

....

Terence is with Perrot and his children in the picnic area, not far from the playground.

The children eat ham and cheese sandwiches, Perrot a meat pie. 

Terence explains why he's not eating.

I never do, says Terence.

A slight exaggeration.

Why do you have all that orange peel? asks Claudine. 

In case it gets feelings, says Terence.

How will you know if it does? asks Claudine.

Terence hasn't thought about this much.

My turnip pieces had feelings, says Terence. And they died.

So if the orange peel dies, you'll know, says Claudine. Too late though.

I know! says Alfonse. Make little holes in them.

What for? asks Terence.

Talking, says Alfonse.

Wisdom, from the mouth of a babe. 

......

Gaius tires of waiting for Porntip. 

He will have to do something himself.

He gets on his bike and cycles to the western end of Emu Bay.

It's hard going, on sand.

He thinks of Team Philosophe, who are currently, by his estimation, climbing the Col de la Lusette.

He imagines the scene.

Vello: We've got no chance. Take it easy.

David: I am.

Sweezus: I'll make a move shall I?

Vello: Go for it. You might realise your dream of being King of the Mountain.

Sweezus accelerates, and ....

So much for Gaius's sand-fuelled imagination.

In fact Alexey Lutsenko has already crested the Col.

A hard climb of 12 k and 7.3% incline.

Behind him is Jesús Herrada, unable to match him.

Alexey speeds to a solo victory at Mont Aigoual to loud cheering.

For years he has dreamed of this day.