Wallace’s private island featured a paradise for penguins. The enclosure was filled with a pristine pool and slides. It had a machine that made ice blocks for penguins to play on—everything. Wallace made sure that everything was perfect. For months, all he’d talked about was how this penguin named Freddy would complete the island.
Wallace’s assistant Melanie directed the box truck to back up the drive to the enclosure. A lot rested on the success of this penguin. What if Freddy was not everything Wallace hoped he was?
The truck stopped, and the driver got out. He opened the back of the box truck and grabbed the crate that held Freddy. Very carefully, he released Freddy, who waddled out to survey his new home.
The truck drove away, and Wallace smiled as Freddy slowly made his way toward the water—uncertain.
Melanie watched the truck drive back to the dock and surveyed the rest of the island. The island itself was a cacophony of different projects Wallace had designed to make himself happy. Each one was in a different state of chaos and abandonment when it didn’t create the result he wanted—a sense of contentment.
“Release the other penguins,” Wallace yelled, and a gate opened to allow four more penguins to enter the enclosure and meet Freddy. Petunia, Popper, Porky and Mocha slowly made their way up to Freddy. The penguins stared at each other and then started honking in delight.
Wallace continued to watch the penguins as they led Freddy over to one of the slides in the enclosure. Melanie watched her boss carefully. A fifth penguin was all Wallace had been talking about for months. Suddenly his smile turned to a frown, and he let out a heavy sigh.
“What is it, sir?” Melanie asked, already knowing the answer.
“Maybe six penguins will be enough?” Wallace posited, and took out his phone to start looking for the next penguin.
Melanie kept watching the penguins. Truly, there were worse ways to spend your time than looking for the sixth penguin and whatever contentment it could bring.
Further Reading: A Not So Perfect Private Island