There it is.
Peacefully pearched.
Innoscent.
Cautiously nibbling a nut.
I creep.
Silently.
Gracefully.
Only a tail length away.
I pounce.
I catch it.
Under my paws, I can feel it strugling.
Helpless.
I can feel it’s bones crunching as I press my paws down upon it’s fragile body.
I hear it whimper in obvious pain.
I feel it heave it’s last breath.
It’s body goes limp.
I’ve killed it. I think as I feel the warmth drain slowly from it’s tiny body. I’m a killer.
I stalk away.
I leave my unfortunate victim where it lay.
Is this what I’ve become? I wonder as I begin to run. A needless killer? I used to be noble. I killed with a purpose. I was admired. Now, now I’m nothing but a killer.
I run faster.
I’m headed toward the riverpool.
The riverpool has always calmed me.
Ever since I was a mere kit it has.
My eyes scan the bank.
Cautiously, I creep down to the edge of the water.
My eyes travel steadily toward my reflection.
I realize in horror that I don’t know the face I see.