Who Needed Killing? by Bill Fitts

Author:Bill Fitts [Fitts, Bill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bill Fitts

“I think Mr. Crawford doesn’t understand what we are trying to do here at University Village.” Dr. Dorcas glanced at Sissy. “Have you told him what we’re doing? How exciting it is to be a part of this?”

“No, sir. You explain it so much better than I do that I—”

“Really, child, you must learn to try. That’s the only way you’ll get better.”

Dr. Dorcas focused his attention on me.

Here it comes, I thought to myself. I wonder if he can convert me like he has Sissy.

“What do you think of University Village? Do you think it’s just another retirement community like all the rest? Just a place to move to when you’re tired of keeping up the yard and house? Other than that it’s no different than what you’re doing now? If that’s what you think, then you are sadly mistaken and may very well miss the next step up as you make your way through life. University Village is the culmination of the journey you started on when you looked past high school to college. You were taking your first steps when you started taking college prep classes, studying for the College Boards, sending off applications, visiting campuses, talking to recruiters, following intercollegiate sports. Why you might have gotten involved with the university even before then! High school science fairs, math competitions, sports camps, digging for fossils, music competitions, debate tournaments—all the things—big and small—good,” he paused, “and bad—that led you to matriculate at the university. And while you were there as an undergraduate, graduate student, instructor, professor, administrator, or member of the staff you added to the university and it added to your life.

“In my mind, University Village is the culmination of screening steps you’ve gone through in life—admission to the university, pledging, swap parties, proms, football games, engagements, graduations, weddings, marriage, alumni activities, homecomings, children following in your footsteps, reunions, and finally admission to University Village. Here. Home. This is the time and place that were meant for you.”

He looked me squarely in the eye. “Now do you understand what’s happening out here? The university thinks we’re ancillary to them when really the university is an ancillary service for us. One we can make full use of in any way we want. Retirement within the university is like no other retirement.”

He was good. Certainly, Sissy and, to an extent, Arlene looked like they believed every word of it. Judging by the fact that University Village was a financial success under his leadership, he must be a good pitchman. I didn’t buy it, but then I never did believe those people with vision who preached success to those who’d already succeeded and ignored the reality that failure could happen—disaster could strike—and it not be anybody’s fault.

“Do all of the residents feel that way?”

“Sadly, no. Some are still learning about the University Village way and some never will.” He shook his head. “There are even those who mocked what we’re trying to do and died never understanding our goal.”

“Well, I don’t understand the pet ban—particularly for the residents of the nursing home.

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