I was going to put up a video on Youtube of me singing Marlene's song, but I have no such time available to me. Instead, here's a link that leads to a website with a MIDI file available to listen to, there's even sheet music to download for free to follow along with the lyrics:

http :// math. boisestate .edu /gas /other_sullivan /songs/willow/willow. html

Marlene did not stop running the entire way home. When she got back, she leaned on her doorway for support, still holding her paw to her stinging face. Marlene felt a sob escape from her lungs and realized she was crying.

No. She had always promised herself she wouldn't cry over any man - her face hurt, that was all.

She looked in her small mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy, and so was her right cheek. Thank goodness for the fact that she was an otter covered in fur - the bruise wouldn't show.

She strolled about her small home, calming the tears and trying to take her mind off of what had just happened. She lit a few candles and took out her battered CD player and favorite CD's. She closed her eyes and listened to the sweet Spanish melody echo in her ears.

Marlene loved the music, but had always preferred Spanish music without the words - it frustrated her that she couldn't understand the beautiful language. She hummed along as one of her truly favorite songs came on.

This particular song had a very fitting melody for how she felt right now - confused, an undertone of pure sadness. She made up English words to go along with it:

The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree

Sing all a green willow

Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee

Sing willow, willow, willow.

The fresh streams ran by her and murmured her moans

The salt tears ran from her and softened the stones

Sing willow, willow, willow…

Sing all a green willow must be my garland

Sing willow, willow, willow.

I called my love false love; what said he then?

If I court more women, you'll couch with more men;

Sing willow, willow, willow…

Sing all a green willow must be my garland

Sing willow, willow, willow. (1)

The song ended with a minor chord. Marlene let out a huge yawn and felt her eyelids droop. She fell asleep - though no one was there to hear her, her snores seemed to say a single word, over and over:

"WIL-low…WIL-low…WIL-low…"

…

After Marlene had run out of the HQ, no one could even move. Everyone's (except Ian's) faces wer so filled with shock, you could probably electrocute someone.

Finally, Skipper strode to the "Private's 1st Prize" door and slammed it behind him. He buried his face in his flippers, confused and frustrated. Why did he feel so horrible about slapping her? Marlene deserved it, the little slut, and it's not like he's never done it before…

… to a girl. He'd never hurt a woman before tonight, especially not a woman he loved. Never in his whole life…

Why did she do this to him? Actually, the better question was: How?!

He was so angry…. He'd loved her more than both the Parrot Girl and Lola put together… and he'd trusted her!

He felt a flipper on his shoulder and heard a slick, comforting voice:

"There, there," Ian said quietly.

Skipper shook him away.

"I want her gone. I want BOTH of them gone!" he shouted.

Ian smiled, but quickly changed his expression and said, "Oh, surely you don't mean that."

"I do!" Skipper yelled. "I can't take it anymore! I want them GONE!"

He took a deep breath, eyes blazing.

"You're the lieutenant," he continued, "give me options!"

Ian almost starting singing. This was perfect! But, he kept a calm and serious face as he said, "Well… you will never feel right unless you finish the girl yourself. She hurt you the most, correct?"

"And Kowalski?" Skipper growled.

"As for Kowalski, let me be his undertaker."(2) Ian said.

Skipper nodded solemnly. "We'll do it tonight, before we have time to change our minds." he said.

"Good idea. Marlene's alone; Kowalski is still at the dolphin's place - no one will see."

Skipper still had no idea how DORIS had gotten the necklace… unless Kowalski had given it to her. Actually, that was probably it! Skipper got even angrier at this new revelation. What'd Kowalski do, pimp out the entire female population of the zoo?!

Skipper froze, just considering that last thought. Never in a million years would he have even fathomed using the words "Kowalski" and "pimp" in the same sentence, much less it being true.

How ironic.

(1) Act IV Scene III, beginning at line #43

(2) Act IV Scene I, line #209