An Early Arrival

Contains spoilers

Overview

A rescued female octopus arrives, signaling imminent change as Terry admits Marcellus is near the end of his life. Tova, nearing her last day, feels detached from the newcomer and uneasy. Cameron fails to show, while Terry offers Tova lasting support and urges her to reconsider leaving.

Summary

Tova arrives early at the aquarium after an urgent call from Terry and witnesses a delivery: a crated, rescued female giant Pacific octopus. While Terry handles paperwork, Tova checks on Marcellus, sharing a familiar, tender moment that underscores his age and their bond.

Terry opens the crate and explains the newcomer was injured in a crab pot in Alaska and arrived ahead of schedule. He candidly admits Marcellus is very old and may have only days or weeks left. Terry also reveals Marcellus was originally a rescue who exceeded expectations, even if he roamed at night.

The new octopus remains in a mesh-topped barrel until Dr. Santiago can assess her in the morning; Terry suggests she might ultimately move into Marcellus’s space when it becomes available. Tova, detached from the newcomer, senses unease and looks for Cameron’s camper, finding no sign of him.

Later, Tova asks about returning her key card after her final shift. Terry, still excited about the new arrival, notes Dr. Santiago’s plan to possibly keep the octopus in the barrel longer. He remarks that Cameron never showed, worries about him, and apologizes that Tova cleaned alone.

As they part, Terry praises Tova’s strength, shares a family saying about staying active in old age, and assures her there will always be a place for her at the aquarium. Tova appreciates the offer, but the night ends with her uneasy about Marcellus’s decline and Cameron’s unexplained absence.

Who Appears

  • Tova Sullivan
    Arrives early, meets the new rescued octopus, worries about Marcellus, notes Cameron’s absence, and prepares to finish her job.
  • Terry
    Aquarium manager; coordinates the octopus delivery, admits Marcellus is near the end, and encourages Tova to reconsider leaving.
  • Marcellus
    Aging octopus; shares a tender moment with Tova as his decline and rescue backstory are acknowledged.
  • Rescued female octopus
    New arrival from Alaska, injured in a crab pot; kept in a barrel pending Dr. Santiago’s assessment.
  • Cameron Cassmore
    Fails to show for his shift, reinforcing that he may have left; causes concern for Terry and unease for Tova.
  • Dr. Santiago
    Veterinarian expected in the morning to evaluate and possibly keep the new octopus in the barrel longer.
  • Addie
    Terry’s daughter; holds naming rights for the new octopus, continuing the tradition started with Marcellus.
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