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DEER WHO DANCE IN THE SHADOWS

One day during a hunting trip I heard cracking branches from thick woods. I wondered if it was a mother doe and her child, since more experienced deer are silent as a whisper. I got inside the instincts of those deer, and wrote the first version of this story that night. It was also my last deer-hunting trip.

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Snow-patches surrounded a Doe and her Young One as they lay under spreading branches. Each drew warmth from the other as mottled leaves provided a backdrop from October's wind.

Their hideaway provided a unique view, indicating a route for easy escape should the need arise.

Young One jerked to his feet, anxious to shake off the cold. He looked forward to nibbling left over tufts of grass. His wondering stare found it difficult to penetrate the gloom. Both deer were soon stretched to full attention, their camouflage a blending of color within a fortress of willows.

Thick pine provided an additional screen of protection.

The Doe meandered proudly along an ancient trail, followed by her young son, his first set of antlers protruding as short spikes. Ahead lay an open space where once stood tall timber. There was no thought of danger as they absorbed the sweet smell of life. As they stepped along the edge of a clear cutting, an unexpected sound broke the silence.

KABOOM was followed by a rush of air, not unlike that of a darting wasp. Instinct caused the doe to flinch, affecting her survival, and her short snort conveyed a message of extreme danger. Caution was now on the menu.

Her son waited nervously, knowing something ominous had entered their part of the woods.

Fearful images swirled in the doe's brain. She swung her head decisively knocking young one off his feet, and out of sight. Her rough thrusting conveyed a need for her son to lay silent as a garter snake.

Like a ballet dancer, she began long-legged sprints leading danger away from young one. She made a half circle using brush as cover then detoured to familiar well-worn trails. Graceful movements drew hidden pursuers to her escape. Deafening sounds followed mother's flight. Thankfully, she escaped.

Young One lay motionless where he had fallen. His last view of mother was her rising and falling white tail. He saw her as a shadow in the distance, finally disappearing into the safety of the woods.

Quickening activity reached his ears. Crashing and sporadic movements followed in a widening pattern. Not far away branches were moved aside, and snapping noises headed in his direction.

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