Dead And In Pieces

Gaius and Kant arrive in Goolwa.

I suggest we head straight for the beach, says Gaius. Bury Gloopy, watch the sunset, eat our  provisions then find somewhere to sleep in the sand hills. 

What about water? says Kant.

There's a kiosk, says Gaius. It should still be open.

They take the beach turn-off and soon arrive at the car park.

The kiosk is closing.

I'll just see if they'll sell us some water, says Gaius. You mind my bike.

He runs across to the kiosk.

Closing already? says Gaius.

Business is quiet, says the kiosk guy.

I can understand that, says Gaius. The karenia mikimotoi must be putting people off. 

You said it, says the kiosk guy. 

Any chance of me buying some water? asks Gaius.

Sure, says the kiosk guy, indicating the drinks fridge.

I'l take two bottles of springwater and a red drink, says Gaius.

He pays for the drinks, and goes back to Kant and Terence.

Now can we bury Gloopy? asks Terence.

Yes, says Gaius. That's our top priority.

They wheel their bikes onto the sand.

You choose the spot, says Gaius.

There, says Terence, indicating a spot. And there and there.

Are we burying the pieces separately? asks Kant. Shouldn't we try to keep them together?

I would have thought so, says Gaius. 

If I were dead and in pieces, says Kant, I should like to think someone went to the trouble of burying me as a whole person.

At what point would you be thinking that? asks Gaius.

Kant sees this as a frivolous question, so does not answer.

Terence tips the six pieces of Gloopy onto the sand. 

Gloopy wants me to bury him in different places, says Terence. Because he smells bad.

I had not considered that, says Gaius. 

Nor had I, says Kant. But it makes sense. Let us mark out six separate grave sites.

They help Terence mark out the grave sites.

Then all three start digging.

I'll say a poem for each one, says Terence.

Six poems! says Gaius. Can you compose six at short notice?

I don't COMPOSE, says Terence. I just make them up.

At last the six holes are ready.

Terence places the first piece of Gloopy into a hole.

A skate has died, says Terence. But he didn't die here. He died in Tasmania. 

Short but sweet, says Gaius.

It's not finished, says Terence.

You've got five more to go, says Gaius. I suggest you call that one done.

Okay, says Terence.

He drops the next piece of Gloopy into the second hole.

A skate has died, says Terence. But that did not stop him.

Very nicely put, says Gaius. Not many of us can say that.

Nicely put. Terence is encouraged.