• the animal in the trap said to the wounded hunter "why" only one unemotional word.
    the hunter was amused and bewildered in a cocky sense. he said to the raccoon "it’s the way of life" briefly blotting the sweat & blood off his brow.
    the animal said nothing else and gazed into the horizon, waiting and searching.
    the hunter looked over at the raccoon "what is it you’re searching for rodent?"
    "life" the raccoon said cooly.
    the hunter grunted, paused then said I don't understand this creature’s way of thinking" He bends down about to set the raccoon free.
    Raccoon looks at the man "you’re a fool old man setting me free will cost you."
    the man gently holds the critter in his palms, he remarks "life has its chances"
    the raccoon now free said " you’re a kind man" and lowers its head.

    the man just stares through silver blank eyes " i..i.. don't know what i did was right..." the man slowly slips into a silvery bright realm.
    the raccoon lowers itself upon the dying man. and says " this is the way of life... i will give you mine... i finally found life...." the raccoon slowly fades out into a quiet grey hopeful state.
    the man awakens to see the sacrifice of a small wise animal. he whispers " the predator is the prey and so was I." He lets a tear slide down his chin. "My work here is forever done " he sets the gun down and walks away into destiny.