Will's Hunt
Recently I entered a contest to write some short fiction inspired by an image. Though my entry was not selected as the winning story I was still quite happy with how it turned out so I thought I would share it here. I don't have access to the photo any longer but imagine if you will... A snowy road cut into the slope of a hill, curving through a forest. There is sunlight streaming through the branches, and a man in the distance, walking towards the camera. He walks in the ruts formed by tire treads, animal tracks cross his path and footprints are already visible in the snow. She can’t possibly think I’m that stupid, he thinks as he trudges up the road. Week-old snow crunches beneath his boots as he follows the frantic footsteps of his wife. She knows this is his element. He could track a dear in midsummer, so she won’t be difficult to find, but what an inconvenience. I spend a full day out collecting food and supplies for her and this is how she repays me?