An animal by the tree line at night
The sun sets before five this time of year. I’m not usually done with my computer work before then, so I’ve gotten into the habit of going outside at night. I begin by walking on the sidewalk. Then I get impatient and start to run.
Along the road, there are street lamps and car headlights. Once I get to the park, it’s completely dark, other than the moonlight. There’s nobody else on the path. It’s peaceful and quiet.
Tonight, I saw an animal down the hill by the tree line. I could barely make out its black shape. I probably wouldn’t have seen it if it hadn’t turned and dashed into the woods. I heard branches break and leaves crunch.
When I was growing up, every once in a while someone would say they saw a mountain lion. But those were rare instances. I think the only common predators in Kansas are coyotes and bobcats. It probably wasn’t even a predator. It was probably just a deer.