The Monster Returns

Once a year the monster emerges from the shadows, silent and invisible it stalks us biding its time before going in for the kill. It always seems to take the best of us, the strongest and fastest males. Luckily the creature seems to hold little, if any, interest in our females and young. Years ago it took my father, this year I know, it's coming for me.

I can still remember my fathers death, he was always so vigilant but the creature kills so quietly father was gone before he even noticed its presence. The rest of us ran away in terror, I was young there was nothing I could do at the time. When we returned all that remained was blood on the ground and the scent of death in the air. I refuse to suffer the same fate, I am faster, bigger and stronger than he ever was I truly believe I stand a chance. Unlike those taken before I will not be dragged to the monsters lair and devoured, I will fight.

This I believe until the monsters roar echoes in my ears. They all run and I try to follow but instead collapse to the ground, my life-force pouring out into the grass. This is how father went and only now do I realize he, and I, never stood a chance. I can see it now coming towards me, emerging from the brush with odd legs and a single long claw. It's smaller than I thought but more hideous than anything I have ever seen. As I fade away it makes sounds I hear but do not understand. Then I see its eyes on my pride, that which probably doomed me to this fate, my spectacular antlers.