I was reduced to poaching livestock that last winter, there was nothing else to eat. Men were everywhere, chopping down the forest, putting up fences, digging, damming...
So I wasn't surprised when I was finally cornered. I'd been about to jump a wall, having eaten most of a calf, when I heard the click of a rifle being cocked. And I hesitated. Then I turned towards the sound. Then I just sat and waited. It happened very spontaneously, I didn't decide to die. But once I'd hesitated, that was it.
He advanced slowly, as if allowing me to see him. I saw his eyes lit large, fearful yet malevolent, much like mine I imagine. It was clear he wished me harm, so I leapt forward.
My death was quick and not too painful. I remember experiencing a loud bang, blinding light, and paralysis. My jaws wouldn't work, my throat was a bloody gorge, I tried to move my legs and my whole body convulsed. I looked into the eye of my killer. I'm ready to die, I said. For an alarming moment I thought he wouldn't, then he finished me off. His eyes looked my mother's.