In a shocking turn of events, a goldfish thought to be carrying eggs quietly passed away on Friday, February 7. Several weeks prior to its demise, Ms. Susie noticed that the fish had strange bulges on either side of its body. Library staff speculated as to what was causing the bulges. Some theories included that the fish either had tumors, had swallowed a few rocks, or that it was carrying eggs. The most plausible theory appeared to be the egg theory as the fish did not appear ill or uncomfortable. However, the fish did not receive an autopsy and the cause of death may never be known.
Fittingly, the person who first spotted the fish’s health issue was also the person who found the corpse. Ms. Susie held a private ceremony for the fish in the women’s rest room at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, where the fish received a burial at sea and a 21 flush salute.
Readers will remember that only weeks ago Ms. Susie and staff member Kristen saved the life of another fish in the library’s fish tank. However, the joy which that event brought was short lived. The passing of the fish on Friday marks the first casualty in the fish tank in over a year.
The surviving fish show no outward signs of grief; however, the staff at Hales Corners is presuming that the fish are struggling with an unimaginable degree of inner turmoil at the loss of their friend. The fish tank and our hearts are all a little emptier.
