The Fake Birds
20
“The birds are fake.” “What did you say?” “Everything you know is a lie.” Many questions were raised by this statement, but Larry was indeed a complicated man. I only saw him as part of my night school, but he may have been the smartest and most academically pushed person I have ever met. “Most birds are dangerous metal machines. They fly around and listen to whatever conversations they need, completely fooling the main population. Listen, I don’t have much time, but I must tell you about the truth.” Larry looked up in the sky with awe, or was it fright? “You are not making any sense, Larry.” “The idea to spy on the masses has sprung up with every great civilization, and this free country is no different. The president used to ponder on what could be the best way to spy without causing any suspicion. So, they killed off the national bird population. My friend, the American government, has tirelessly persecuted every last one of them and has replaced them with smart drones with high-definition cameras and miniature trackers. No one could stand up to the enemy.” I was the closest thing that he had to a friend, even though I never saw him outside of our night school that we were forced to attend. He always seemed to be missing something, something deep down in his heart. He would always politely decline any attempt to meet up, not even for a beer. It is weird because the government has been pushing alcohol lately due to it being healthy and having good effects on behavior and brain development. The bars were now all government-owned, and the money goes to all the tax goals they promise. It is weird to drink alone. Lately, his facial expression started to show signs of despair, and he seemed to become more distant and colder to his surroundings. He seemed to be going through a phase, and now he seemed almost possessed by his stupid theories. “Mass genocide against flocks of all kinds were committed. These led to the deaths of many, like the extinction of the mighty cassowary, the strong goose, the beautiful bird of paradise, the intelligent flamingo...” I started to laugh; this was simply ridiculous. There was no way he took this joke so seriously. “You find this funny, don’t you? I can’t believe how naive you are.” He pulled out a cigarette. Hold on. Larry never smoked; he never did. It hit me he was not playing around. “Larry, I found a dead hawk by the road to the station. Surely that could not be fake.”
