Lately we've been crossing paths with a herd of deer. The first time, I was headed home long after midnight when right in front of the car, they quickly crossed the road.

A few days later, on an afternoon hike, a deer and I came face to face in a scraggly copse. We scared the hell out of each other.

Then just last week, shadows in the oak grove, the herd walked through and vanished. We followed, the dogs and I, and found the faintest path that led to this glade. The light is green here, like you're under water. Even the birds, as they move from tree to tree, seem to swim.