The Lumas were enjoying the stingray rides that the penguins had so graciously given them. They yipped and tittered as the stingray soared over the swells and landed, splashing little droplets of water everywhere.
Rosalina watched from the start as the Lumas and stingray headed further out of sight. She sighed.
The Emperor penguin, who was in charge, watched her curiously. She'd hardly spoken, except to ask permission for a ride on the Lumas's behalf. After that, not another word. She shook her head when they offered her a go, and since then she had resigned herself to watching her precious Lumas squeal in watery delight.
The elderly penguin told himself things like, maybe she was shy? Maybe she just didn't feel like making small talk? Either way, it kinda came off as a bit rude.
Rosalina didn't mean to be rude. She just couldn't think of anything worthwhile to say. She shut her eye and breathed the chlorinated air deeply. She was as stiff as a board, and felt like every little move she made was a crushingly awkward blow to everyone's opinion of her as a person.
Not as fun as riding on the back of a stingray.