It all started with the suspicion that Ethereal had contracted hookworm. He was relocated to a smaller home where he was the only resident. It turned out his problem was age, but since he had a hard time breathing in the depths of the neighborhood, his solitary life was permanent until his death. He was not friendly toward the authorities after his move.
Although Ethereal was not sick, the Cardinals were–they’d hidden it well for months. When the authorities noticed that all the cardinals had contracted ick, they medicated immediately. The anxious authorities observed the neighbors, making sure the contagion had been eradicated.
One day a cardinal mysteriously disappeared. The next day a second. Authorities uprooted the neighborhood, trying to find them. After a thorough search, investigators informed the press that it was apparent that the Cardinals were victims of an unknown body snatcher. A reward is being offered for any information on suspicious behavior. So far, silence has reigned.
—The Bubbly Review
Written In Ink 