The Longest Beetle

Looking forward to tonight? asks Katherine.

What about tonight? asks Arthur. 

Going out with torches, to look for the kakapo, says Katherine. And we might spot that rare white kiwi.

Oh, that, says Arthur.

Am I right that your heart isn't in it? asks Katherine. Are you bored already?

I was talking to Sweezus, says Arthur. 

What's he up to? asks Katherine.

Trying to get money, says Arthur. Our team needs new wheelsets.

Team? says Katherine. Oh yes, the Tour de France. Don't tell me you're going?

In a bubble, says Arthur. 

What's wrong with your old wheels? asks Katherine.

Too heavy, says Arthur. All the other teams'll be getting new wheelsets.

How much are they? asks Katherine.

Three thousand two hundred dollars a set, says Arthur.

That doesn't surprise me, says Katherine.

Like to chip in? asks Arthur.

I'd like to, dear, says Katherine, but David would be highly offended if his mother chipped in to buy new wheelsets for a rival team.

Ouch! says Arthur.

Have you stepped on something? asks Katherine. You really ought to wear shoes.

Arthur has stepped on something. 

A giraffe beetle. New Zealand's longest beetle. It is lying legs up on the ground.

But no harm is done.

The beetle rights itself and scuttles off to enjoy the remaining seven days of its adult life. 

Arthur continues to work on Katherine.

Do you know anyone else who might want to chip in?

No, says Katherine. Why don't you look for a sponsor?

I'm stuck here on a tiny island, says Arthur. How can I?

You have a phone, says Katherine. Tell you what. Why don't you call my friend Margaret. She has friends in the Geological Society. In fact, she organises their picnics.

I know Margaret, says Arthur. She doesn't like me.

Nonsense, dear, says Katherine. Everyone likes you.

They have now arrived at the tree.

Katherine's book lies open at Chapter Five: How to Express Your Emotions.

She had not left it open at Chapter Five.

Looks like the wind must have done it.