The next day:

Kidnappers to Kitten:

Well, well, well. What a difference a day makes.

Your little Grahamy-poo asked not be returned before the weekend. Something about a recent move giving him a taste for adventure. And that dull, dark cube farm being no kind of home for a penguin.

Don't worry, your precious is safe. For now. He's just having more fun than he's used to.

There was a photo attached, but it came through in a very small format…it looked like Graham was holding something in his wing.

Kitten to Kidnappers:

I will never believe that Graham wanted to leave me. You can try to trick me, and try to brainwash him, but it will never work. I know he loves me. Perhaps he was getting bored here, and maybe I was not always the most attentive of mothers, but I can’t believe he wants to leave me and go on some so-called “adventure.”

My only request at this point is to know that he is safe. I can’t see my precious Graham’s face in the photo you sent, because I can only get a thumbnail. It looks like there might be something in the photo with him. Is it a message for me? If so I cannot read it. I don’t want you to harm him because I missed some instructions from you! Please, please send a bigger photo so I can see him and make sure he is okay.

I can only pray that you are a good human being and will not wound him.

Kidnappers to Kitten:

I'm afraid you're not in a position to make demands.

Because I'm feeling generous, I'll tell you about that photo. The little flippery freak was downing a bottle of penguin beer with his tie wrapped around his head.

Kitten to Kidnappers:

So he’s off the wagon. I should have guessed as much. If he’s drinking again he is not capable of using good judgment. There is no telling where this will lead now.