The hotel room in Qatar was cold. The air conditioning was set to "Arctic".
Alex sat on his bed. He was looking at his phone.
On the screen was Mark.
Mark was sitting in a jacuzzi. He was wearing a snorkel mask and a beret. He was holding a block of cheese the size of a brick.
"Mark," Alex said. "Why are you eating cheese in a jacuzzi?"
"It is French culture!" Mark shouted through the phone. "I am absorbing the power of the fromage! We play Tunisia tomorrow. I need calcium for my bones. Strong bones mean fast running."
"You are going to sink," Alex said.
"I float!" Mark argued. "I am buoyant! Like a duck! A very fast duck!"
Mark took a huge bite of the cheese.
"So," Mark chewed loudly. "Wales next. The Dragon."
"Yes," Alex said. "Gareth Bale."
"The Golfer," Mark giggled. "Be careful, Professor. He hits the ball hard. If he hits you, you might end up in the sand trap."
"I will bring my wedge," Alex said.
