Expect the Unexpected

Summary

• In this chapter, Tova recalls her voyage from Sweden at the age of seven. After a two-month voyage from Sweden to Portland, Maine, she eventually moved to Washington, to Sowell Bay. 
• The events on her voyage are largely a blur for Tova. However, she does vividly remember an old man they nicknamed the Walrus who played card games with her and taught her to "expect the unexpected."
• Back in the present, Tova is interacting with a young man named Cameron who is rumored to be taking her place at the aquarium. They talk about his cleaning habits and her expectations for his work. Cameron, somewhat taken aback by Tova's insistence on doing things correctly, pushes back against some of her points.
• Cameron is surprised to learn Tova knows he is from California. Despite an initially combative interaction, they have a more genuine conversation about the resident octopus, Marcellus. Cameron asks why Marcellus attempts to leave his tank, to which Tova answers is likely due to boredom.
• Cameron worries about what to do if Marcellus escapes again. Tova advises to leave Marcellus alone, but also comes up with a plan to help Cameron build a relationship with the octopus.
• The chapter ends with Tova drawing on the advice from the Walrus, telling Cameron to "expect the unexpected".