The Beginning Of Something New (a short love story)

A Doe A Deer A Female Deer

I was raised with the sweet, spicy smell of pine and spruce evergreens. But once Fall arises, moving to a new place. My name, Elexus. It literally means protector of mankind, but even so, I have always been the one needing protection. 

My name, like a new fawn in spring. So innocent and full of glee, just like me. It uses spots as camouflage to hide itself from hunters, as I do from harm. As age grows on me, the spots shed away leaving me to the bare truth: reality hurts. No more hiding, only running. Running to get to a safe, warm place as winter arrives with its cold blistery fury; as the snow turns to ice on my back, stealing my dwindling heat. 

I will run to the mountains that I am named after, for the hunters are out, more despite to fill their mouths. More sneaky and frightening with traps that break bone and others that hang you upside down out of reach from the bears. At night the eagle cries, as the mountains beckon me to them with my name: Sierra. 

The wind gushes: Run the Hunters are not far behind. I quicken my steps as the eagles, silhouette darkens against the stars, tiny pinpricks of hope shinning their way through the sky. He weaves intricate patterns through the stars. Up, down, in, out. It screeches a warning with a sad look in its eye. 

The stream dances on the shore shinning like silver. Snap! I'm in the air hanging upside down. I bawl a farewell to Mother Nature as I watch freedom fly away on the wind of peace, the dull thump of his wings quickening with my heart. The whites of my eyes show as the moon comes up then goes back down as a fitful sleep overcomes me. 

They come in the morning, a frozen night it was. The warm air rushes over me as the birds awaken and sing, they are unaware of the danger. I welcome them with a cry as they near me. A boy and his father, a single shot gun. 

And with sparkling wet cheeks, the poor boy shoots. Bang! Like my last name, Witt, a sudden sharpness that binds my body as the world blackens and blood drips in my in my eyes with it. The wood is silent.

 Born, Free, Death- Elexus, Sierra, Witt- Hidden, Hope, Crack- Spring, Fall, Winter. A privilege to be alive, but also to be sad, because those bad days only make the good ones better and life worth living. 

A challenge I will give to you: be strong, kind, thoughtful. But don't ever leave the world without something to remember you by. A song sang or a book written down, just something so your spirit will live on in time.