An Impossible Jam
Contains spoilersOverview
Cameron prevents Marcellus from slipping out, noting Tova’s unexplained absence. A call with Elizabeth reveals her doctor-ordered bed rest and jogs talk of Simon Brinks while Cameron admits his interest in Avery.
Pressed by Terry to finish onboarding, Cameron completes the forms but, thwarted by an impossible copier jam, leaves his driver’s license on Terry’s desk, underscoring his uneasy progress toward responsibility.
Summary
During his night shift, Cameron catches Marcellus probing the tank lid and quickly ties it shut with twine, deciding there will be no escapes tonight. He’s unsettled that Tova hasn’t shown up and feels a pang of guilt as Marcellus retreats.
When Elizabeth texts, Cameron calls back and learns she’s on doctor-ordered bed rest after contractions. She mentions seeing Simon Brinks on TV, prompting Cameron to recap his stalled search and to share the beginning of his relationship with Avery. He finishes mopping as Marcellus watches.
Terry arrives, joking about checking Cameron’s work before admitting he just forgot something. Turning serious, Terry insists Cameron finally complete his personnel paperwork and provide a copy of his driver’s license. Cameron agrees to do it that night.
He fills out the forms and reflects on an earlier missed scholarship caused by procrastination. Attempting to copy his license, he battles a copier reporting a nonexistent “Paper Jam in Drawer C.” Defeated, Cameron leaves his license atop the completed forms on Terry’s desk, planning to retrieve it the next night.
Who Appears
- Cameron Cassmore
Night cleaner; thwarts Marcellus’s escape, calls Elizabeth, is pushed to finish paperwork, and leaves his driver’s license after a copier jam.
- Marcellus
The giant Pacific octopus; tests the tank lid, watches Cameron, and is restrained when Cameron ties it shut.
- Terry
Aquarium manager; drops by, jokes, then insists Cameron complete forms and provide a driver’s license copy.
- Elizabeth
Cameron’s pregnant friend; on bed rest, mentions seeing Simon Brinks on TV, and hears about Avery.