The trees didn’t fall in a storm. The land didn’t burn in a wildfire. It was just cleared, flattened, ripped up, turned into something better, something profitable. The forest is gone, and the coyotes have nowhere left to go. They walk the streets now, ribs showing, sniffing at garbage, dodging headlights.

Across the road, a new sign glows in the dirt: “COMING SOON: LUXURY APARTMENTS STARTING AT $2,300/MONTH.”

Someone will move in. Someone will call the view “peaceful.” Someone else will call animal control.

How much nature are we willing to erase for another overpriced apartment? Where does it end?