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How did this come about?
Each member of our group took on a different role. I (Jules) provided the toy and so spurred its degeneration. Josh took charge of wreaking the havoc. And Sam documented our nightmarish progress with photos and videos. Of the three, Josh's work was likely the most exciting. He began by setting a heat gun (with a temperature of over 1000 degrees) onto the penguin, melting it horrifically. Then, he proceeded to smash it repeatedly with a hammer. We chose a hammer because it symbolized the brutal agony of our eventual annihilation, as a species and as individuals. Once the penguin's face was melted, dented beyond repair, and without both foot and wing, Josh got out the heat gun one last time. This final move melded what once was an adorable children's toy, to a circular piece of wood—our canvas, if you will.
Why?
Rarely is one allowed the chance to convey the true devastation of fate. Although it may only be a plastic toy (for now), our group still got to experience an intense, depraved thrill of power, which—let's be honest—is desperately lacking in today's teenage experiences. In addition, our demonic creation will spawn the future tools of chaos.
How does this work?
As well as being a brilliant, conceptual metaphor for humanity, the Penguin is low-maintenance and easy to use. Simply hang on a wall or door knob with the conveniently located string, or just lay on any flat surface. After leaving it alone for some time, you will be confronted with a vague, unsettling sense of fear. Hopefully, this fear will develop into a full-fledged state of catatonia, but we haven't had the chance to test this theory yet. It's a stressful world, and the least we can do is protect and nourish that stress.
What now?
Josh and I will begin a fight to the death to determine who is to gain legal custody of the Penguin. The innocent bystanders who had the misfortune to witness the Penguin's demise will commence emotional counseling. And Sam will become a hermit and move to a forest far away in a desperate attempt to wash away the horrors he has seen.