Killer is gone
The population of our household, normally seven, is now six. Killer the faded goldfish is gone.
Not dead, just not here. He has moved on to a home where he can receive the love he deserves.
Or she deserves. How does one know the gender of a goldfish?
Over the years, wanting to assuage any loneliness that Killer experienced as the sole occupant of the tank, ED introduced new fish several times. Killer earned his moniker after killing off every one of them.
ED did her best to let him die naturally but humanely by delaying cleaning the tank, forgetting to feed him, and depriving him of light. Killer survived it all. That is one strong cookie.
He never really fit in
We had difficulty finding the perfect spot in the house for his tank. He was moved out of the living room to make room for Christmas decorations. His position in the study was taken over by school supplies. A short stint in Mowgli’s bedroom ended when Mowgli realized that the pump ran constantly. His ultimate position was in the dining room, where he could guilt us for our lack of care.
Killer’s retirement
Our young family friend Kyla, moving to a new and larger home, expressed an interest in adopting Killer. Forgoing a family conference, ED packed the tank and accouterments and sent them out the door with little fanfare and no chance of a turnaround.
Within a short time, we received a photo showing that Killer had settled in nicely, although Holly the cat seems a little less assured.
With a cat nearby, Killer’s lifespan may shorten.
He was a wonderful fish. I hope he doesn’t forget us.
Too cute!!!
This was great writing!