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anywhere else. The sun was gently lowering, growing larger as it neared the horizon - an illusion of course. Shadows grew longer while I watched them.

I heard another breaking branch, only faintly this time - farther away, toward the sun. I had to squint and move my head almost imperceptibly to see it, so that the glare wouldn't fill my vision.

Out from behind the base of the pole, a deer - a doe - appeared. No antlers. Ears and white tail alert, muscles taught. She scanned all around her with snap precision, as she stepped cautiously into the clearing. With each measured stride, she scanned again. Once in the clearing, her hooves landed silently on damp earth.

Then, on her cue - a quick look behind her - a tiny fawn stepped into view, mimicking its mother's movements, though a little more clumsily. A beautiful baby, its brown coat dotted in white.

I must have murmured, though ever so quietly that I wasn't aware I had, for the mother doe snapped her head in my direction and seemed to look right into my eyes. She was a good 100 yards away, but there was no mistaking her focus of attention. I could almost see her nostrils flaring, attempting to decipher any danger by scent. It couldn't have been any longer than a few seconds, though it seemed interminable. I did not move one muscle.

Finally, this cautious mother returned her attention to her baby, and they began their crossing. I relaxed. I had been so tense from keeping still, that my neck and shoulder muscles ached.

As both creatures stepped into full view, the giant orange orb surrounded them, casting them into a stark black silhouette of mother and fawn in the large glowing and setting sun. This time I was absolutely silent... with awe. And before I knew it, they were gone.

No camera could have done this scene justice. One day, time and ability permitting, I will render this memorable scene on canvas, with brush and paint. Until then, it is committed to memory.

The great outdoors will forever beckon me.

Learn more about this author, Louweeze.
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