In the small village, after the disappointing welcome party, everyone couldn’t stop thinking about Copepito’s dad’s words.
“My sister has made a shocking discovery,” he had said. “She has seen strange creatures floating in the water, and she found out that these creatures are made of something called ‘polymers’ – and they are produced by humans!”
Copepito’s dad exclaimed concerned.
The villagers were puzzled, and they all started reaching out to their relatives living in far-off places. What they found out was truly astonishing – the Strangers, as they came to be known, had invaded all the seas around the world!
Urcino, the wise old sea urchin who owned Good Foods on Main Street, called his cousins in the mid-Atlantic. They confirmed that they, too, were facing an invasion of polymers, which were now considered their main dietary food source.
Even his niece, studying in Italy, reported the presence of polymers in their daily meals. They were being offered in pasta and pizza, and chefs were experimenting with including polymers in traditional desserts like cannoli siciliani, sfogliatelle, and baba’.
Urcino, being a shrewd business owner, saw an opportunity. He decided to strike a deal with Mr. PETer, who was known for his mysterious involvement with the polymers.
“You provide me with more of these polymer friends,” Urcino proposed, “and I will ensure your safety in this village. What do you say, my friend?”
Urcino said.
Mr. PETer, wearing a mischievous smile, agreed and shook Urcino’s hand. Little did they know that their partnership would lead to surprising adventures and discoveries as they embarked on a quest to understand the secrets of these polymer creatures and their impact on the marine world.