And then there were none

The book said Orandas were difficult to keep. The book was right. The two remaining fish, Beaker, the little redcap in the background, and Coco, the one with the solo portrait, developed a raging parasitic infection. They were clearly suffering, so I euthanized them this afternoon. I am done with fish, at least for now. I'll empty and sanitize the tank, put it in the garage, and take some time to think about whether to try again, or to make a terrarium (plants only) or to donate the tank. They're buried in the garden, with the other 3 fish, among the ornamental plants. Marked by a shell. Yes, I know they were freshwater fish, but I don't care. I like the shell, I loved the fish. I don't know how many animals I euthanized in my 7 years working in an animal shelter. But today, right now, I feel the weight of them all.