Lorrie Trace was a confident woman with skin the color of creamy milk chocolate. Her kind eyes saw the world in a perspective that most didn’t. She always tried to see the good in everyone and everything. Some might say she has a heart of gold. She attended Harvard University and received a doctorate in science and physics. Ever since, she’s been traveling the world, wanting to know more about it and its wonders.
As always, it was a freezing, below zero day in Antarctica. Lorrie was wearing a heavy black coat with a sweater underneath, thermal, blue colored gloves, and thick black pants, and was out gathering information, such as wind speeds and snow samples. Her love for Earth was shown through her years of traveling and research. She’s visited more countries than she could count. However, this was her first time visiting Antarctica. She’d tried many times, but always became distracted when she saw or discovered something that fascinated her. When she arrived in Antarctica, she was told to always travel with someone to ensure her safety.
Preston Daper was a tall man with sea-green eyes, ebony skin, and a deep, calming voice that seemed to burrow itself inside you and warm your soul. He’d never met Lorrie before, but he was happy to help her through her research. He was very familiar with Antarctica and he’d done his share of research on the icy continent before, and was, too, intrigued by the adaptations made in its chilling climate.
Now, the two of them were on their way back to the small insulated cabin where the primary research would take place.
“So, what started your interest in all of this?” Preston asked.
“Well, when I was a teenager, my family lived near woods. Whenever I was upset or needed to think, I would go sit under this large oak tree and listen to the sounds of the world around me. It helped me appreciate the little things in life,” Lorrie answered.
“And you’ve been traveling for how many years?”
“About eleven.”
“My. You've been busy,” Preston said with a smile.
Lorrie laughed. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
Preston smiled shyly. “So, you’ve never been married?”
Lorrie became bashful. “No. I’ve always been single. Men have tried, but were turned away when they found out how much I travel.”
“‘s their loss I suppose,” Preston said giving her a sideways glance.
Lorrie looked away shyly and something caught her eye. A short distance to her right, something small and black was moving along in the white haze of snow.
“Preston, look,” she said taking his arm and pointing in the direction of the unknown figure. Preston followed her finger and his face fell into a curious concern. He gently took her shoulder and she followed him in the direction of whatever was moving. He moved with caution until it became clear of what the small creature was: a penguin.
“Aw, where's the rest of his rookery?” Lorrie asked stepping closer. Though when she did, she could tell that something was wrong with it. It was moving slow and in an awkward motion that suggested that it was in pain. But that’s not the only thing she noticed; there was an egg tucked safely under his belly. When he saw them, he stopped and eyed them both, unsure of whether the tall creatures that stood before him were friendly or not. Lorrie carefully stepped toward him with her hand extended forward.
“It’s okay, little fella. I'm not gonna hurt you,” she assured the creature.
The penguin seemed to hesitate, then waddled forward a couple of steps and allowed her to pet his forehead. Lorrie smiled.
“Yeah, it's okay.”
The penguin seemed to enjoy her touch, though he still seemed to be in pain.
“What do you think is wrong with him, Preston? The poor dear seems to be sick or something.”
“I don’t know. You think we should take him with us? Maybe we can figure out what's wrong with him,” Preston suggested.
“Yeah. I can't bear to see this sweet little guy like this. Come here and grab the egg when I pick him up and keep it warm.”
Preston got ready and Lorrie gently picked up the weak penguin as Preston quickly retrieved the egg from the cold snow. Lorrie and Preston held the penguin and the egg close to their bodies, slightly under their coats.
About another twenty minutes of trudging through the snow and harsh winds, they arrived at the cabin. Upon entering and shutting the door behind them, Preston wrapped the egg gently in a thick blanket and started a fire. Lorrie gently laid the penguin on a table and removed her gloves, hat, and scarf, revealing her rosy nose and cheeks and her bright blue eyes. Light specks of snow laid upon her wood-brown hair, which was shoulder length and curled inward at the bottom. She gently stroked the feathers on the penguin's belly.
“It’s okay, little guy. You’re gonna be okay.”
♦ ♦ ♦
“Hey! Hey, Lorrie! Wake up!”
Lorrie sluggishly opened her eyes upon Preston shaking her awake and peeked up over the blankets. “Preston? What’s wrong? It’s 6:30 in the morning.”
“Come on! You’ve got to hurry or you’ll miss it!” Preston said pulling the covers off of her and pulling her arm toward the room door. They quickly walked into the living room where the egg lay in a pile of blankets. The penguin was standing next to it in wait.
“What’s going on, Preston?”
“Sh! Just watch.”
They came to a halt by the couch and waited a moment, then Lorrie heard it. The egg was cracking open. Lorrie cupped her hands over her mouth as a small beak began poking its way through the shell. Finally, the small hatchling poked its head through and worked itself out of the egg. When it finally emerged, it curiously looked around.
Lorrie kneeled next to the couch to get a better look. A huge smile had crossed over her face and she was nearly crying. She held out her finger to the young hatchling and he or she eyed it curiously, then poked her with its flipper. Lorrie gasped in surprise and the hatchling jumped back and shielded its face with its flippers.
“Oh, it’s okay, baby, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Lorrie said softly. She gently reached over and petted its soft, fluffy feathers. The hatchling seemed to relax. “There; now go to your Pap…” she looked at where the other penguin was, “…Ah…” she finished.
She almost started to bawl. The hatchlings’ father lay limp and lifeless on the couch, right after his son or daughter had officially entered the world. She scooted over to him and gently stroked his cold feathers.
Preston scooted next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“I’m sorry, Lorrie.”
Lorrie couldn’t contain herself; she turned, buried her face into his chest and cried.
Eventually, she cried herself to sleep.
♦ ♦ ♦
It was about 10:45 when she woke up again. She opened her eyes to see herself once again in her bed, the covers up to her chin. She pushed them off and a shiver immediately shimmied down her spine. Grabbing the blankets and pulling them around her shoulders to shield herself from the cold, she got up, and opened the door to her room.
Immediately, the smell of oatmeal and toast hit her in the face like a ton of bricks; it was enough to make her stomach growl loud enough to hear through the blankets and the saliva in her mouth to thicken. She followed the scent into the kitchen where Preston had just begun pouring oatmeal into two bowls.
“Hey, there. I was about to come and get you. I hope you don’t mind; I wasn't really in the mood for eggs this morning,” he said with a smile.
Lorrie smiled back. “Don’t worry, the feeling is mutual. Where is the little hatchling, anyway?” she asked looking around.
“Snoozing away in his little bundle of blankets,” Preston said gesturing to the tiny penguin in the next room.
Lorrie looked at the pile of blankets in the neighboring living room. The baby penguin was sleeping peacefully. She smiled and looked back toward Preston as he said, “He’s a boy, by the way.”
Lorrie sat down at the table and Preston joined her. “What did you do with his father?” she whispered.
“I got a blood and saliva sample for you before I buried him out back. I figured you'd want to do tests. What are we going to do about the baby?”
Lorrie thought for a moment. “I’ll take care of him.”
“Are you sure you can handle that kind of responsibility?” Preston inquired.
“Absolutely. And besides, I want to know what killed his father,” Lorrie answered taking a bite of oatmeal.
“What will you name him?” Preston asked smoothing butter onto his toast.
Lorrie thought long and hard on that one. “I’ll name him after my father. He’ll be my little Kowalski.”
♦ ♦ ♦
“So, have you figured anything out, Lorrie?” Preston asked walking into the room she was in. Lorrie had been examining the blood and saliva samples for three and a half hours now.
“All I’m able to tell by looking at them is that he probably ingested something. What, I don’t know. I know a guy in Manhattan. I’m going to let him run an analysis,” Lorrie answered taking some more notes and turning in her chair to face him. “Have you fed him yet, by the way?”
“Actually, that’s what I came in here for. Did you wanna help?”
Lorrie smiled. “I’d love to,” she answered as she got to her feet and followed Preston into the kitchen.
Kowalski was in a clothes basket that was half full of blankets. He playfully poked his flipper through the openings in the side chirping happily. Lorrie laughed and gently picked him up and cradled him in her arms. Preston pulled a raw fish from the refrigerator. After shaving it and separating the meat from the bones, he put the meat in the blender. After the fish was blended into a mush, he removed the lid; he nearly gagged at the smell.
“Whew! Good luck getting used to that!” he exclaimed.
Lorrie laughed.
After pouring it into an empty squeezable honey bottle, he handed it to Lorrie. She held Kowalski like a baby and held the bottle to his beak. Kowalski curiously licked the opening, then sucked out the solution. He seemed to enjoy it. Lorrie smiled, then looked at Preston, who was staring at the chick in awe.
After feeding him, Lorrie continued her Antarctic research. She didn’t even realize that she was talking to Kowalski as if he were her student.
“…The Earth is tilted on an axis, so when the northern hemisphere is facing toward the sun in the summer, Antarctica is deprived of sunlight, and when it’s facing away from the sun in the winter, it receives light 24/7.”
She was interrupted by the sound of Preston’s voice behind her.
“Why does Kowalski seem to be so mesmerized by that?” he asked with a laugh. She had Kowalski sitting on her desk, and it was as if he was listening intently. Lorrie turned to face him.
“Preston! How long have you been standing there?” she asked, a little embarrassed.
“Not long. I see you’ve become attached to the little fellow.”
Lorrie turned back to Kowalski and stroked his soft feathers. “Well, yeah, I mean…The poor little guy lost his father. He has no one to care for him.”
“Well, if he hangs around you for much longer, he’s going to be the smartest penguin in Antarctica,” Preston joked.
“Well, as much as I wish that could become a reality, I'm pretty sure he can't understand a word I'm saying, and here I am rambling on to him!” she said laughing.
“Did you call Drake about that sample?”
“Mm-hm. I’ll be staying here for another week, then I'll leave for Manhattan.”
Preston's face fell. “Really? You’re leaving that soon?”
“Well, I want to know what happened to his father. Besides, as amazing as Antarctica is, I really don't see much that I can do here anyway. I’ll probably come back someday,” Lorrie explained.
Preston nodded. “Oh…Okay. I understand. Um…I'm gonna go start on something for dinner.” He turned and left the room
Lorrie turned back to Kowalski again, who had found amusement in hitting the desk with a pencil.
“Give me that, you silly!” Lorrie said with a laugh and taking the pencil from him. She petted his soft head. “Smartest penguin in Antarctica…One can imagine.”
As always, it was a freezing, below zero day in Antarctica. Lorrie was wearing a heavy black coat with a sweater underneath, thermal, blue colored gloves, and thick black pants, and was out gathering information, such as wind speeds and snow samples. Her love for Earth was shown through her years of traveling and research. She’s visited more countries than she could count. However, this was her first time visiting Antarctica. She’d tried many times, but always became distracted when she saw or discovered something that fascinated her. When she arrived in Antarctica, she was told to always travel with someone to ensure her safety.
Preston Daper was a tall man with sea-green eyes, ebony skin, and a deep, calming voice that seemed to burrow itself inside you and warm your soul. He’d never met Lorrie before, but he was happy to help her through her research. He was very familiar with Antarctica and he’d done his share of research on the icy continent before, and was, too, intrigued by the adaptations made in its chilling climate.
Now, the two of them were on their way back to the small insulated cabin where the primary research would take place.
“So, what started your interest in all of this?” Preston asked.
“Well, when I was a teenager, my family lived near woods. Whenever I was upset or needed to think, I would go sit under this large oak tree and listen to the sounds of the world around me. It helped me appreciate the little things in life,” Lorrie answered.
“And you’ve been traveling for how many years?”
“About eleven.”
“My. You've been busy,” Preston said with a smile.
Lorrie laughed. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
Preston smiled shyly. “So, you’ve never been married?”
Lorrie became bashful. “No. I’ve always been single. Men have tried, but were turned away when they found out how much I travel.”
“‘s their loss I suppose,” Preston said giving her a sideways glance.
Lorrie looked away shyly and something caught her eye. A short distance to her right, something small and black was moving along in the white haze of snow.
“Preston, look,” she said taking his arm and pointing in the direction of the unknown figure. Preston followed her finger and his face fell into a curious concern. He gently took her shoulder and she followed him in the direction of whatever was moving. He moved with caution until it became clear of what the small creature was: a penguin.
“Aw, where's the rest of his rookery?” Lorrie asked stepping closer. Though when she did, she could tell that something was wrong with it. It was moving slow and in an awkward motion that suggested that it was in pain. But that’s not the only thing she noticed; there was an egg tucked safely under his belly. When he saw them, he stopped and eyed them both, unsure of whether the tall creatures that stood before him were friendly or not. Lorrie carefully stepped toward him with her hand extended forward.
“It’s okay, little fella. I'm not gonna hurt you,” she assured the creature.
The penguin seemed to hesitate, then waddled forward a couple of steps and allowed her to pet his forehead. Lorrie smiled.
“Yeah, it's okay.”
The penguin seemed to enjoy her touch, though he still seemed to be in pain.
“What do you think is wrong with him, Preston? The poor dear seems to be sick or something.”
“I don’t know. You think we should take him with us? Maybe we can figure out what's wrong with him,” Preston suggested.
“Yeah. I can't bear to see this sweet little guy like this. Come here and grab the egg when I pick him up and keep it warm.”
Preston got ready and Lorrie gently picked up the weak penguin as Preston quickly retrieved the egg from the cold snow. Lorrie and Preston held the penguin and the egg close to their bodies, slightly under their coats.
About another twenty minutes of trudging through the snow and harsh winds, they arrived at the cabin. Upon entering and shutting the door behind them, Preston wrapped the egg gently in a thick blanket and started a fire. Lorrie gently laid the penguin on a table and removed her gloves, hat, and scarf, revealing her rosy nose and cheeks and her bright blue eyes. Light specks of snow laid upon her wood-brown hair, which was shoulder length and curled inward at the bottom. She gently stroked the feathers on the penguin's belly.
“It’s okay, little guy. You’re gonna be okay.”
♦ ♦ ♦
“Hey! Hey, Lorrie! Wake up!”
Lorrie sluggishly opened her eyes upon Preston shaking her awake and peeked up over the blankets. “Preston? What’s wrong? It’s 6:30 in the morning.”
“Come on! You’ve got to hurry or you’ll miss it!” Preston said pulling the covers off of her and pulling her arm toward the room door. They quickly walked into the living room where the egg lay in a pile of blankets. The penguin was standing next to it in wait.
“What’s going on, Preston?”
“Sh! Just watch.”
They came to a halt by the couch and waited a moment, then Lorrie heard it. The egg was cracking open. Lorrie cupped her hands over her mouth as a small beak began poking its way through the shell. Finally, the small hatchling poked its head through and worked itself out of the egg. When it finally emerged, it curiously looked around.
Lorrie kneeled next to the couch to get a better look. A huge smile had crossed over her face and she was nearly crying. She held out her finger to the young hatchling and he or she eyed it curiously, then poked her with its flipper. Lorrie gasped in surprise and the hatchling jumped back and shielded its face with its flippers.
“Oh, it’s okay, baby, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Lorrie said softly. She gently reached over and petted its soft, fluffy feathers. The hatchling seemed to relax. “There; now go to your Pap…” she looked at where the other penguin was, “…Ah…” she finished.
She almost started to bawl. The hatchlings’ father lay limp and lifeless on the couch, right after his son or daughter had officially entered the world. She scooted over to him and gently stroked his cold feathers.
Preston scooted next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“I’m sorry, Lorrie.”
Lorrie couldn’t contain herself; she turned, buried her face into his chest and cried.
Eventually, she cried herself to sleep.
♦ ♦ ♦
It was about 10:45 when she woke up again. She opened her eyes to see herself once again in her bed, the covers up to her chin. She pushed them off and a shiver immediately shimmied down her spine. Grabbing the blankets and pulling them around her shoulders to shield herself from the cold, she got up, and opened the door to her room.
Immediately, the smell of oatmeal and toast hit her in the face like a ton of bricks; it was enough to make her stomach growl loud enough to hear through the blankets and the saliva in her mouth to thicken. She followed the scent into the kitchen where Preston had just begun pouring oatmeal into two bowls.
“Hey, there. I was about to come and get you. I hope you don’t mind; I wasn't really in the mood for eggs this morning,” he said with a smile.
Lorrie smiled back. “Don’t worry, the feeling is mutual. Where is the little hatchling, anyway?” she asked looking around.
“Snoozing away in his little bundle of blankets,” Preston said gesturing to the tiny penguin in the next room.
Lorrie looked at the pile of blankets in the neighboring living room. The baby penguin was sleeping peacefully. She smiled and looked back toward Preston as he said, “He’s a boy, by the way.”
Lorrie sat down at the table and Preston joined her. “What did you do with his father?” she whispered.
“I got a blood and saliva sample for you before I buried him out back. I figured you'd want to do tests. What are we going to do about the baby?”
Lorrie thought for a moment. “I’ll take care of him.”
“Are you sure you can handle that kind of responsibility?” Preston inquired.
“Absolutely. And besides, I want to know what killed his father,” Lorrie answered taking a bite of oatmeal.
“What will you name him?” Preston asked smoothing butter onto his toast.
Lorrie thought long and hard on that one. “I’ll name him after my father. He’ll be my little Kowalski.”
♦ ♦ ♦
“So, have you figured anything out, Lorrie?” Preston asked walking into the room she was in. Lorrie had been examining the blood and saliva samples for three and a half hours now.
“All I’m able to tell by looking at them is that he probably ingested something. What, I don’t know. I know a guy in Manhattan. I’m going to let him run an analysis,” Lorrie answered taking some more notes and turning in her chair to face him. “Have you fed him yet, by the way?”
“Actually, that’s what I came in here for. Did you wanna help?”
Lorrie smiled. “I’d love to,” she answered as she got to her feet and followed Preston into the kitchen.
Kowalski was in a clothes basket that was half full of blankets. He playfully poked his flipper through the openings in the side chirping happily. Lorrie laughed and gently picked him up and cradled him in her arms. Preston pulled a raw fish from the refrigerator. After shaving it and separating the meat from the bones, he put the meat in the blender. After the fish was blended into a mush, he removed the lid; he nearly gagged at the smell.
“Whew! Good luck getting used to that!” he exclaimed.
Lorrie laughed.
After pouring it into an empty squeezable honey bottle, he handed it to Lorrie. She held Kowalski like a baby and held the bottle to his beak. Kowalski curiously licked the opening, then sucked out the solution. He seemed to enjoy it. Lorrie smiled, then looked at Preston, who was staring at the chick in awe.
After feeding him, Lorrie continued her Antarctic research. She didn’t even realize that she was talking to Kowalski as if he were her student.
“…The Earth is tilted on an axis, so when the northern hemisphere is facing toward the sun in the summer, Antarctica is deprived of sunlight, and when it’s facing away from the sun in the winter, it receives light 24/7.”
She was interrupted by the sound of Preston’s voice behind her.
“Why does Kowalski seem to be so mesmerized by that?” he asked with a laugh. She had Kowalski sitting on her desk, and it was as if he was listening intently. Lorrie turned to face him.
“Preston! How long have you been standing there?” she asked, a little embarrassed.
“Not long. I see you’ve become attached to the little fellow.”
Lorrie turned back to Kowalski and stroked his soft feathers. “Well, yeah, I mean…The poor little guy lost his father. He has no one to care for him.”
“Well, if he hangs around you for much longer, he’s going to be the smartest penguin in Antarctica,” Preston joked.
“Well, as much as I wish that could become a reality, I'm pretty sure he can't understand a word I'm saying, and here I am rambling on to him!” she said laughing.
“Did you call Drake about that sample?”
“Mm-hm. I’ll be staying here for another week, then I'll leave for Manhattan.”
Preston's face fell. “Really? You’re leaving that soon?”
“Well, I want to know what happened to his father. Besides, as amazing as Antarctica is, I really don't see much that I can do here anyway. I’ll probably come back someday,” Lorrie explained.
Preston nodded. “Oh…Okay. I understand. Um…I'm gonna go start on something for dinner.” He turned and left the room
Lorrie turned back to Kowalski again, who had found amusement in hitting the desk with a pencil.
“Give me that, you silly!” Lorrie said with a laugh and taking the pencil from him. She petted his soft head. “Smartest penguin in Antarctica…One can imagine.”
