Epesi made a good start on his running, but it quickly tailed off as the cheetah's larger size and lack of condition both gained in his week under Nala's domination took its toll. Indeed, he soon went from running to jogging, before dropping to staggering, barely able to keep upright.

Perhaps Nala was right, he thought after he'd recovered slightly, perhaps he was destined to end up like her. It wasn't a thought he liked though, and so, strugged on, though it was obvious to everyone but him that he wasn't doing any good. Finally, he had to accept defeat for now, lying down. Of course, without his constant concentration on a task, digestion took its toll, and he was soon asleep.