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The Shit Storm

Chapter Twelve

Berlin December 31st, 2002 

The Berlin Zoological Garden

The Berlin Zoo is buzzing with life, even though it's a private visit for my family. Prince Michael and Paris double-teamed me with Dad's help, convincing me to come along on this trip. They've never been to Berlin, and they're eager to see the famous Zoological Garden. How could I possibly say no? Besides, Prince had an emergency flight out to Texas for some mysterious reason, leaving me alone at the Galpin house for two weeks. This is a better alternative than staying behind.

It takes some negotiating, but we manage to get certain areas of the zoo closed off so we can explore without the usual chaos that follows us everywhere. Martin Bashir's crew lingers nearby, but I've made it clear I'm here for my family and not to be filmed or interviewed. He doesn't like it, but I don't care. I don't trust him, and that's that.

"Sissy! Let's go to the penguin house!" Paris's voice is full of excitement as she tugs at my hand.

I can't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. "Okay, okay! Let's go!"

We make our way to the penguin habitat, surrounded by security forming a protective bubble around us. As we enter the chilly enclosure, I feel a wave of nostalgia. It's been years since I last visited a zoo, and seeing it through Paris's eyes makes it all the more special.

"Oh, look, sissy! They're so cute!" Paris squeals, pointing at the little black and white birds waddling around.

"Daddy, can we get one, please?" Both Paris and Prince Michael look up at Dad with their best puppy dog eyes.

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. "Now, we've talked about this, Paris. Penguins aren't pets. They need a special environment to live. Let's take some pictures, and then we'll go see the gorillas."

I smile, knowing Dad's soft spot for primates. When we arrive at the gorilla habitat, his face lights up, just as I expect.

"Oh my, that one looks so sassy!" I laugh as one particularly expressive gorilla stares back at us.

Dad laughs too, clearly enjoying the moment. The gorilla seems to pose for the camera, ready for his close-up. "Alright, it's time for PM and me to see the pandas!" I say, grabbing Prince Michael's hand.

Together, we skip towards the panda exhibit, our laughter echoing behind us. These are the moments I cherish—pure, simple joy with my family.

"Aww, look how sweet the babies are, PM. They're napping," I whisper as we peer into the panda enclosure.

"They're so cute, sissy. I wish I could touch them," PM says, pressing his nose against the glass.

I gently pat his shoulder. "I know, PM, but they're wild animals. It's not safe to touch them."

He nods, satisfied just to watch them from a distance. "Look at that one!"

I follow his gaze to see a panda sprawled out lazily, as if it's having the best nap of its life. "Well, doesn't he look like he's having the world's best chill session?" I joke, tickling PM.

He squeals in laughter, trying to squirm away. "Stop, sissy!"

"Okay, okay. Hey, check out the little guy over here," I say, leading him to a baby panda perched in a tree.

PM laughs again, mimicking the panda's stance. "Rawr!"

"Alright, silly, let's head back to the others. I'm sure everyone's hungry by now," I say, holding out my hand for him.