“Another Side”
April 26, 2014

    Skipper led a blindfolded Marlene into her cave.

    “Skipper, what is this? What’s the big surprise?” Marlene urged with anticipation.

    “Well, remember a couple of weeks پہلے when آپ کہا you’ve always wanted to stargaze, but couldn’t because of the bright city lights?” Skipper asked, preparing to remove the blindfold.

    “Yes, why?” Marlene answered.

    Skipper pulled off the blindfold. “That’s why,” he کہا with a grin.

    Marlene lost her breath in amazement from the scene before. Her habitat had been transformed into a تارامنڈل, افلاک نما powered سے طرف کی the small dome in the center, and stars lit up her entire cave.

    “Skipper . . . this is amazing,” she کہا incredulously. She turned back to him. “You did this for me?”

    “Of course, Marlene. Happy One-Year Anniversary of our relationship,” Skipper said, wrapping his flippers around her waist.

    Marlene gently thumped his chest with her fist. “You liar, آپ told me anniversaries were too sappy for your taste,” she said, smiling in awe.

    “I may have told a little white lie so I could surprise you,” Skipper replied with a grin. “Just don’t go talking about this side of me to other people. I do have a reputation to maintain,” he کہا with a laugh. “Shall we?”

    Skipper and Marlene laid under the stars as Skipper went over some of the constellations.

    “And there’s Cancer,” Skipper said, pointing to the constellation.

    Marlene glanced over at him. “How do آپ know all of this? آپ don’t strike me as one to study astrology,” she inquired.

    “Kowalski talks a lot on missions. I mean a lot,” Skipper کہا with a laugh. “I guess I accidentally paid attention a few times.”

    Marlene smiled. “Well, this is definitely a different side to you. I like it,” she said.

    Skipper propped himself up on his elbow where he could look into her eyes.

    “Do you?” he asked with a smile. “You have yourself to thank for that. You’ve changed me in ways I never thought possible.”

    Marlene’s eyes glistened. “Aw, Skipper,” she کہا softly.

    Skipper smiled and glanced from her lips to her eyes and slowly leaned forward. Marlene showed no objection as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her, pressing her lips to his beak. Skipper wrapped his flipper around her waist and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

    Both of them found themselves taking a liking to this new side of Skipper the penguin.