why us?

Part 3

Watching Father Paul walk waving at other people saying his hellos, I turned my head to see a band playing. The music was certainly not bad but it wasn't the music i usually listen to. It was interesting to see all the musicians get lost in the music that they were playing, nodding their heads to the beat. They seemed to be a local band, just doing popular music covers of 'The Beatles' and Many other 60s and 70s bands. I found myself clapping my hands to the beat, I think it was just me simply enjoying the people being happy on this gloomy island.

My head turned to see Father paul talking to a man who looked very familiar, I just couldn't pinpoint who he was. He seemed extremely uncomfortable talking to Paul, I wonder why? I was actually enjoying the conversation I had with him, he was very kind to me, and a lot of people don't bother to have a conversation with a kid like me. I tried making out what they were saying, the only thing i got from it was 'The cats that got washed up from the ocean.'

Walking to my dad, who was talking to Sheriff Hassan i asked them both about the supposed cats being washed up. 

"Ah, yes. There were cats that washed up on the beach over there this morning," Sheriff Hassan pointed at the misty beach to the left of me. "Some of them were chewed up to bits. No no idea why they were in the ocean in the first place, but it could be a possible disease that spread overnight or a rabid animal." Hassan looked at me. He had a dark complexion with dark thick hair that was nicely styled.

"Oh, that's terrible!" my voice trembled a little "how did you dispose of them?"

"me and some people burned them. Trust me, im not very much of a cat lover myself, but it was pretty tough to watch." he laughed nervously.

"Wow, well you're a trooper to do that you know." I smiled. I truly felt bad he had to do that. I wouldn't be able to do that, even with help. We all continued to talk about other various things for about 10 minutes until we all heard screams.

We all ran to where the screaming came from. A dog was Hacking on the grass, it was spitting up blood and other vile liquids. The dog looked like it was seizing up, twitching everywhere helplessly.

Staring in disbelief, it felt impossible to understand what was happening. Next to The seizing dog, there was a man crying out of both confusion and grief. He looked homeless. He had a larger build with long gray hair and a beard. Clearly, this dog had been his only friend. Once the man spontaneously stopped crying, everyone went silent.

Tears started forming in my eyes. This poor dog is in pain and I can't do anything about it.

"You did this!" the old man pointed at A woman who was wearing a tight braid and a white cloak-like outfit. She seemed a little too calm about this, given the situation. She took a deep breath and let out 

"Joe, how could I possibly do that? Don't you think your dog would attack me if I 'poisoned' it like your saying I did?" Bev said very condescendingly like the sad man was an idiot.

"No! You did this! With rat poisoning, I just know it!" he screamed while tears were running down his face.

"Ok guys let's be calm and responsible about this." father paul stepped in. he was calm-at least trying to. "What is your name?" he gently bent down and stroked the crying man's back.

"j-joe Collie." he stuttered hysterically.

"Ok Joe, when was the last time you saw your dog?" paul said continuing to stroke his back.

"I-i don't know. I guess he was just running around playing with some kids." he lazily put his hand up to point at disturbed kids. Paul looked at the woman with the braid

"What? Oh, come on Father Paul. I would never do such a thing. Im the administrator of the church for god's sake!" she started laughing hoping people would laugh along with her, but nobody did of course.

"Bev," Paul said lowering his eyebrows. "I never said that you did it. You need to corporate with us. And that means to be honest." Paul smoothly whispered. This woman, Bev seemed to be only submissive to Paul. from my perspective she seemed very stubborn, claiming 'she knows what she's doing.

Beverly walked away out of anger.