She did this a few times, pushing herself against the infant harder each time as if testing its comfort. And finally, as she started to give birth to the next baby, she wrapped her mouth around the rabbit she had just delivered and started devouring it.

I just stood there, watching helplessly as the mother rabbit ate her child – bits of tissue and blood smearing against her gnarled fur.

I didn’t watch the rest of the carnage.

I walked back to my dorm, not remembering how I got there when I finally arrived. I went back to the zoo a month or so later and one of the zookeepers told me that the mother ate the other baby as well – not long after she ate the first one.

He said the baby rabbit was sick and wouldn’t have survived even if they intervened in time. Said this happens all the time in the wild because a carcass will usually draw predators to the den. He said it was probably for the best.

Just like this decision is for the best.

This is where it stops.

I’ve made the decision to not go forward with our contract. I will not be answering any more of your emails, nor will I be financially engaging with you in any way.

I will be going to my bank tomorrow and wiring the money back into your account. I will also be closing my accounts and doing my banking elsewhere so that you no longer have access to my finances.

I’m petitioning you to please void our current contract as I refuse to move forward with any of your tasks.

I’m better off without you.

Signed,

Agnes

EMAIL FROM ZOE CROSS

Date: 06/10/2000

Time: 11:39 p.m.

From: Zoe Cross <crushedmarigolds@[omitted].com>

To: Agnes Petrella <agnes_in_wonderland_76@[omitted].com>

Subject: Contract Voided

Agnes,

I’m disheartened to hear of your decision to void our current contract; however, I understand your cause for doing so.

I am truly sorry that I pushed you well beyond your limit. That was never my intention.

I think we both wanted different things out of this relationship and we’re coming to the realization that it simply isn’t a good fit.

I honor your decision and this email is sent as a voidance of our current contract.

I wish you nothing but health and prosperity in all your future endeavors. I am always here if you need anything.

Best regards,

Zoe

Part Four

PART FOUR

AN EGG BEFORE IT CRACKS

EMAIL FROM AGNES PETRELLA

Date: 07/28/2000

Time: 10:01 p.m.

From: Agnes Petrella <agnes_in_wonderland_76@[omitted].com>

To: Zoe Cross <crushedmarigolds@[omitted].com>

Subject: An Apology I Owe You

Hey,

I understand if you’d rather not talk to me after the way I left things over a month ago. But I’ve been thinking so much about you lately.