Two weeks after it happened, Mr. Ludlow dragged countless bags to the curb, and my wife and I watched from across the street as children-vultures descended upon them, tearing through the black plastic, spilling the cheerful-colored toys across the lawn.

An hour later the street was empty.

I felt sick.

Tim Boiteau is a Writers of the Future winner and author of two novels, most recently ILTDAY. Find more at timboiteau.wordpress.com.