Rico sat seterusnya to his lifeless doll, sliding his flippers against her thin arms and sniffing her cool plastic scent. He began brushing her hair and cooing at her in hushed tones. She smile throughout the whole thing, her bright blue eyes glistening in Kowalski’s dim lamp.

Skipper was out doing recon, as he always did on Friday nights, his lazy smile scaring any animal that sneaked around in the zoo’s path. Private was with the lemurs, having his first sleepover with Mort, and Julien teaching them a couple of dance moves as well. And lastly, his best friend, Kowalski was at a grand central...

Chapter Two

“Rico. Rico. Rico, wake up.” Rico heard his name being called repeatedly and fluttered his eyes open. The voice was so rich and sweet, he hoped it was who he thought it was.

“Marlene???” Rico whispered. His eyes were blurry and then they got into focus, making the shape of an angry penguin and a slightly younger one to his side.

“RICO! Where are my magazines?” Skipper demanded. He didn’t hear Rico say Marlene at first.

“Marlene.” Rico sat up and wiped his eyes with his flippers. He looked around and found his doll. Her arm had came off when he had thrown her aside...