A/N: This is a dramatization of an article I read (the article is below).

I have done wrong, and I cannot atone. Because of my insolence, an innocent life was taken. Let me tell you the story of Maria Smock. So, let me, please let me, free myself from this burden.

Professor Jake Ryans, or that used to be my title. I was a biology college professor at Kingston University. I prepared mostly dimwits for life in biological sciences. They believe what anyone tells them. But oh, I had one bright student. Her name was Maria Smock. She had too much to live for, that girl. I am going to recapture as much as I can. As I was saying, I was a professor.

One day, while an exam was taking place, the radio announced, "Mutated fish in creek! Mutated fish in creek! Hello audiences around, a report of mutated fish in Dalson's creek, Colorado was just filed! The fish's mutations include: two heads, tails, deformed legs, and brains outside the head. Whoa gross!" I rolled my eyes at this comment; broadcasters these days. He continued, "Apparently the Strappe Company's coal and phosphate mine is polluting the creek with… what is that… oh yes selenium. The excess selenium caused all the mutations. I hope the government shuts them down. Those greedy industrialists giving no second thought to the environment! Oh how just like them!" He babbled on about wages and the wealthy's duty to pay for the poor. "Oh and guess what? I have the man who found the freak show fish right here next to me. So let me introduce you to Jim Standley. How are you Jim?"

"Oh, besides the traumatizing event, I am doing well thank you Kenny," replied Jim quickly.

"So, what was it like Jim, finding those disgusting abominations?"

"To tell you the truth, it was terrifying. Here I am an amateur hiker, then suddenly out of nowhere a mutated fish! I was so scared I almost screamed. The distorted fish shocked me. I was ghost white!" Jim kept talking. He went on about how scared he was, and about the environment's needs. He of course mentioned how the greedy industrialists do not care for the environment issues at hand.

Fools I think to myself. The Strappe Company is the United States only working phosphate and coal mine. If the government did not push impossibly high requirements of them, then there would not be such a problem. But like always, the government pushes the expectations, then blames the honest workers. Typical. Now idiotic environmentalists will flock all over this. I wonder what Shelia Boone will say…

The radio announcers voice cut in, "And now a special visit from the one and only Shelia Boone! " Well speak of the devil.

"Why hello everyone and good to see you again Kenny!" she replied cheerily.

"So tell us Mrs. Boone, what is your view on the whole Dalson's Creek mutations issues."

"Now Kenny, don't call them mutations. It's such an ugly word. They just are poor creatures caught in a big mess. I think the whole situation is just awful."

"Can you tell us any information on the causes of the mut- I mean poor creatures tragedies?" Kenny asked sounding a little unsure.

"Why of course!" she piped, "Selenium naturally occurs in nature, but when it is tampered with by mankind's mining and coal burning, like the Strappe Company's mines, it turns toxic. The high toxic levels affect the poor reptiles, birds, fish, and fish eggs. Poor creatures have to endure missing eyes and feet, deformed beaks, legs, and wings, and protruding brains! The metal can also affect us people too!"

"You don't say Mrs. Boone! How so?" Kenny asked.

"The symptoms usually include fingernail and hair loss and loss of feeling in fingers and toes. Selenium is not all bad. It's just unsafe at high levels. If the selenium is kept below five parts per billion measured in the water, it's relatively safe. Unfortunately, Dalson's Creek has reached seventy parts per billion which is fourteen times the federal limit! We need to be careful."

"That is all the time we have today. Thank you for sharing your wise insight Mrs. Boone. I'd love to have you again soon!"

"If only you will have me!" Her false cheery voice ended the broadcast.

I wonder what's going to happen. No I shouldn't wonder, it's a waste of time.

A/N: I did not know who to really categorize this story. If you read this, I hope you enjoyed it. I found an online article about a two headed trout due to excess selenium in waters. I wrote an exaggerated story about the article. If you read it, I hope you enjoy.

The link the to article is on my profile since it wouldn't show up on here.