Then it was a small field that I came to. Green, tall grass with yellow tips. Trees hadn’t moved into this patch. Out of fear or respect maybe? I strolled into the outskirts of the grass. The sun was low on the hilltops. The grass moved around my waist and brushed against the knuckles of my hands.
There was something there. On the far side of the field was a figure moving. Not human. Large and dark brown. It was a deer. As tall as I was, deep black eyes, antlers that arched into the chill morning air. It lowered it’s head beneath the grass then raised it again. Eating, I think. Every time it’s head dipped down I’d move a bit closer, then stop abruptly when he raised it again.
I got not ten feet from him. Then he knew I was there. Locked eyes with me. And it was a wonderful natural moment. Friend or foe? Fight or flight?
Then a sense of calm like nothing I’ve ever felt before. The sun bathed both of us, the grass danced around us both. Brotherhood. And we both stood there for a moment. And then he stomped off back into the trees, disappearing into the mist. And all I could think was…
“Please don’t go.”
