Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, introduces himself to the reader. He references a plaque beside his tank that explains his species, habits, and his expected lifespan: 1,460 days.

Tova Sullivan, the elderly cleaning woman for the Sowell Bay Aquarium, works to remove dried chewing gum from the floor. As she goes through her route, she pauses to reflect on the bronze sea-lion statue her son played on as a child before continuing and greeting each sea animal in turn. Marcellus hides from sight. When Tova enters the office of Terry, the aquarium's director, she discovers Marcellus caught in power cords. Although he is fearful of her, Marcellus allows Tova to free him. Then he wraps one of his tentacles around her arm, holding her a moment before returning to his tank. He leaves small round marks on Tova’s skin. Tova finishes her cleaning and then sits beside the ocean, where she imagines her son Erik beneath the waves.

Marcellus reflects on the food he’s served in the aquarium. Unsatisfied, he often ventures out at night to steal food from the nearby tanks. Tonight, he found Terry’s leftovers in his office, but claiming them almost cost him his life.