“The deer who hesitates will not meet Winter’s bite. And the deer who waits will be left behind, never to see the first rays of Spring.”

It’s too much to process for our young doe.

The herd has already crossed The Great Divider, save for Mother. Mother has helped her cross many small dividers before.

She knows this is the crux of their journey, though it is far from the end. Colder, darker days await on the other side.

A whisper echoes from around the bend.

She must not hesitate. She takes a breath, and then another, as the ancient wisdom replays in her mind. She makes her first leap before she realizes what she’s done. She had hesitated.

She does not want to be left behind, but Mother is here. Mother will keep her safe. And so she waits instead.

The whisper becomes a roar, then a squeal.

She closes her eyes. And watches her last sunrise.

The moments flicker past. A Winter’s silence has descended.

She opens her eyes and the false sun is staring her down, challenging her.

And then Mother is beside her. Together, they cross the divider, with Winter’s bite on their heels.