Skipper

Skipper waddled in one of their escape tunnels. He didn't care where he was or where he was going. After a few minutes of walking, he finally sat down and stared at the envelope in his flippers. When he couldn't take it any longer, Skipper ripped open the envelope and began to read.

Dear Skipper,

If you're reading this, then I cannot believe you actually miss me. I have to admit that I balked a little when I was about to write this. I didn't think that you would read this, but then I thought about everything we have gone through, and the words began to flow smoothly.

I suppose you're also wondering how I know how to write, as your mind never misses anything. That's a story for another day, however. I know you probably feel like strangling me right now, so I'll get to the point.

Unable to help it, Skipper chuckled a little at how well Nathan could read him although the penguin had only been here for a while. Skipper continued the letter.

That last sentence was written to make you laugh by the way. If you didn't then I guess I still don't know you. If you did, then I have a warning for you. You are an open book if someone gets past your tough outer layer.

Private once told me that he had described you as toast. I agree wholeheartedly with that definition. Sorry to say, but you are a real softie inside, Skipper. You'd probably glare daggers at me if you were here right now.

You are a great leader, Skipper, but don't be afraid to love or ease up sometimes. The whole world isn't plotting against you every time. Take good care of your team and the zoo for me. Private is probably taking the worst hit right now. Please that extra care of him for me as well.

That's all I have to say right now. You have a good team, Skipper. Don't make a wrong decision.

Nathan

Kowalski

Kowalski sat down in his lab with his back on the wall. He opened the envelope and began to read.

Kowalski,

I know that you are probably in your lab, Kowalski. I know I left a few loose ends in my absence. Could you please store them up for me when we meet again? Oh, yes. We're going to see each other again, don't worry. I can feel it in my gut.

Kowalski could swear he saw Nathan smirk as he read the letter. He felt a tear run down his beak, but he made no move to wipe it away. He had no idea how much Nathan had meant to him until the penguin was gone.

You are like a brother to me, Kowalski. I know that you are sad, but lift your chin up. The world isn't ending. As Skipper would say, push your shoulders back and look ahead. The sun is just rising.

Try not to make any more of your inventions explode. I know that one day, the whole world will know your name as the smartest penguin that had ever lived. Continue to keep the team up, Kowalski. Don't ever give up.

I know that this is short, but I'm not a very strong writer. Besides, tell the others that we'll meet each other again one day. I know you have a lot of questions, Kowalski, but I can't answer them right now. Smile, Kowalski, and stand up tall.

Nathan

Rico

Rico sat on the tree branch in the park, looking out at the lake and all the happy people and animals. If everybody was so happy, why did he feel so depressed? He stared down at the letter and began to read.

Rico,

It's about time you read this. Do you have any idea how long I have been waiting? Ah, never mind. I know you couldn't help it.

Have you exploded anything lately? I know you are down right now, but please don't stop all the things you like because of me. I know you sometimes don't feel like part of the team because of your inability to express yourself with words, but don't forget that you can always paint and write.

Try not to explode anything valuable or get into trouble while I'm gone. Continue to be yourself and stay happy! Lift your beak up, straighten your shoulders, and look up, soldier! There are people counting on you; don't let them down.

Nathan

Rico lifted up his head from the letter. He looked out at the world once more. Suddenly, the day didn't feel so bad.

Private

Private looked out at the sleeping zoo. Unknown to the others, he had slipped outside to be alone in his thoughts. Sitting on top of the clock tower, he appreciated the silence that followed. For once, the lemurs were not partying late into the night.

He clutched the letter tighter in his flippers. No matter how many times he read it, Private could not accept that Nathan had gone. Allowing the tears to run freely down his cheek once more, the young penguin read the message written by a penguin he had grown to love so much.

To young Private,

Hey, wipe away those tears. I don't want to see you cry. Look towards the horizon, Private. You see that sun rising up? Every time you see that, think of me. You see, where ever you are, we are always seeing the same sun and moon. Ask Kowalski if you don't believe me.

So turn that frown upside down, Private. I promise you that we will meet each other again. You have earned a special place in my heart that no one or thing can replace. Smile when you see people, Private. You might be saving a life.

Stand strong, young penguin, and don't ever stop believing. One day, I will see you again. Continue to keep the team's spirit up, Private. And don't you ever stop being yourself.

Love,

Nathan

Nathan

Nathan glanced back at the city of New York. He had grown to love some animals there, but it was time for him to move on. He shouldered his backpack and set off at a good pace. With a jump to each step, one might ask him why he was so happy.

To this, Nathan would always reply back the same way. "I'll be home again soon."

***********

A wrap up to the whole story. You can call it an epilogue if you want. What did you think of the whole story? Don't worry, I'm not going to leave you sad to see Nathan go. Nathan mentions in some of the letters that he is going to see them again. I plan on bringing him back in another story for those of you who are sad to see him go. What do you think?