Coming up the hill in Nala’s mouth.

I said, “Drop.”

Good girl, she dropped.

The fawn didn’t move.

Was his back broken?

I hesitated, slowly going to the house to get my gun.

This was not going to end well.

I’d have to cover him to do it, unable to look at his eyes.

Then he was gone. Elation. Until I found him 30 feet away.

Maybe all he needs is rest.

Nala and Benny and I watched from the porch until dark.

In the morning, no longer there, I believed his mother found him.