Drizzling rain blurs my vision through the window, i can just make out the rising stream and black forest beyond it. Birds shelter under the low bushes close to the veranda and a slight breeze blows the wind-chimes which hang from the eves.
The cloak of night has fast approached and the toadstools have begun to sprout amongst the green grass. The call of foxes can be heard, a sound which sends shivers up ones spine.
A cool breathing seems to issue from the trees, whispers of running people, watching eyes, silent feet. A rabbit hops close to its burrow, fearful of enemy’s which stalk it, following the scent of warm flesh.
Movement on the side of the forest captures my attention, a shape walks forward, a beast with four legs. The rain increases and hammering of the roof sounds harder, like a drum.
The shape moves faster, coming towards my window. The rain is reaching a crescendo, a music, which none can copy. And still the shape moves faster, closer to me and my window, and as my breathing starts to jump and my hands start to shake, the creature comes into my view, skidding to a halt in front of my window stands a deer.
Its breathe mists up my window and we look at each other. Antlers the size of small trees, it casts a shadow upon my cold body and through the window it looks at me with the compassion of God.
I stand, leaving behind my old chair, my warm tea and go to the door.
As i step outside, the bite of the chilled breeze and the sharp rain does not batter my small frame, instead it cocoons me, caressing my fragile bones.
The deer meets me at the stairs and i know i must get on his back. It is my time. I am not scared. This is Death.