Private and I walked back to the zoo. "So," asked Private, "how was it?"
I grinned at him. "Amazingly delicious."
He beamed. "See, everybody likes snow cones."
I laughed. "You were right, Private. Race you back to the zoo."
I took off sliding. He ran a little before launching himself. "Not fair!" yelled Private. "You got a head start!"
We arrived, laughing, at the penguin habitat. "Uh oh," said Private, sliding to a stop.
I followed his glance to see a very angry looking Skipper. "I agree," I whispered back.
"Where have you been? You missed training!"
As I opened my beak to defend myself, Private lowered his eyes. "Sorry, Skipper."
I realized that the words were directed at the young penguin. Without thinking, I defended Private. "It wasn't his fault," I said.
Skipper turned to me. "Yes it was," he answered.
"I asked him to go," I replied.
Skipper glanced at Private. "Is it true?"
The boy looked at me, fear in his eyes. I nodded once. "Yes, sir," he mumbled.
Skipper glanced between us and sighed. "Ten laps around the zoo," he finally said.
With that, he jumped back into the HQ. Private looked at me. "Why did you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Defend me? It was my fault. I asked you if you wanted to get snow cones with me. I should have looked at the time," he said.
The penguin was nearly in tears. I waddled over to him. "Instinct, Private. You reminded me of someone."
He looked up at me. "Thanks."
I smiled back. "Come on. I'll do the laps with you."
Ten laps later…
"That was refreshing," I noted.
"Nothing like a swim after a long run," agreed Private.
He glanced at me. "Nathan? Can I ask you a question?"
"You already did," I said, smiling.
"I mean another one."
"Sure, Private. What do you want to know?"
"You said I reminded you of somebody. Who?"
I looked toward the horizon. "You're a lot like my brother, Private. A lot like him."
Without waiting for an answer, I climbed down to the HQ.