Pip Tumbleshore's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Pip Tumbleshore waddled across a warm noodle ridge, handing route tips to travelers slipping on buttery curves. A crumpled flyer tumbled against his foot. He smoothed it open. The Great Joy Contest. Winner crowned happiest penguin in the whole pasta bowl. Pip's heart drummed. This was the prize he had been dreaming of. Then he read the small print. Entries closed at dawn tomorrow at the glowing ice palace beyond the broth. Pip checked the dimming sky and grinned wide. He tucked the flyer under his flipper and started running. Tonight, he would cross the bowl and sign his name before the sun touched the spires.