Day 1,324 of My Captivity
Contains spoilersOverview
From his tank, Marcellus observes that Terry has hired a younger evening cleaner to replace the injured Tova. The young man’s nervous approach and relaxed exit signal a successful interview.
Marcellus hopes the cleaner starts tonight to remedy filthy floors before rock crabs molt, senses a familiar gait, and admits he will miss Tova.
Summary
Marcellus marks another day of captivity and reports that Terry has installed a replacement for the evening cleaner—swapping the older woman, Tova, for a younger man. From his tank, Marcellus watches the young man walk to an interview, anxious and tight-shouldered, then leave relaxed, indicating he secured the job.
Marcellus connects this hiring to a practical need: the aquarium floors are filthy. After a late-night excursion to check on rock crabs, he returns with grime stuck to his suckers, underscoring why a diligent cleaner is urgently required.
Looking ahead to the rock crabs possibly molting tomorrow, Marcellus hopes the new hire starts immediately to improve conditions. He notes the young man’s gait seems familiar, hinting at a deeper connection he cannot place, and he acknowledges that the previous cleaner, Tova, likely will not return—and that he will miss her.
Who Appears
- Marcellus
Aquarium-dwelling giant Pacific octopus; narrates, notes a new cleaner’s hiring, and misses Tova.
- Cameron
Young man who interviews for and appears to secure the evening cleaning job.
- Terry
Aquarium manager who replaces Tova by hiring a younger evening cleaner.
- Tova Sullivan
Absent prior evening cleaner; injured and not returning; Marcellus expresses he will miss her.