Today, I’m hanging out with my friends, the Ravenkeeps. Each
afternoon they feed the ravens. It’s a tradition that’s been a part of
their family for generations.
        Just after they start feeding the hungry birds, their friend and
neighbor, Professor Robert Heinrich, walks up. He’s a kind man who
studies and teaches about many different birds. His favorites are the
birds who live in this area — especially ravens. I walk up to him as
he bends down, scratching my neck.
       “Hey professor! What’s up?” Lars asks.
       The professor smiles, sighing. “Hello Ravenkeeps. I’m afraid I
have some news you won’t like.”
       “Really? What’s that?” asks Mom.
       “Well... as you know, I love studying ravens.”
       “Yes,” nods Dad.
       “Have any of you noticed how many there are lately?”
       Lars looks at the sky and says, “A lot. They’re everywhere —
they really like parking lots, and the big garbage bins behind
restaurants and stores.”
      “You’re right, Lars,” the professor says sadly. “There are too
many of them — mainly because of humans! Many of them live off
of what we throw away. Our garbage is their dinner.”
       “What are you trying to say?” says Dad, scowling.
       The professor inhales deeply, then says, “I think you should stop
feeding them. There are so many ravens now, they don’t need your
help.”
       Dad sighs, “I see.” He turns to Mom and Lars saying, “Bob is
right — I’ve felt this coming for a few months now. I’ve seen how
many ravens there are and wondered if we should continue to feed
them.” Laughing sadly, he looks at Robert saying, “This means more
than you know, my friend,” then turns back to Mom and Lars.
“It’s time for a family meeting. We need to speak with my Mom and
Dad.”