My deer crush

Perhaps the titles says everything. I have a new crush or dare I write there is a new crush on me? This isn't some fan of my books or a secret admirer, nope this is a girl I ran into while running this morning. As I parked my car at the town park, there she was in the distance. Always friendly, I waved. She turned her head and looked curiously at me.

I told her she didn't have to leave, but maybe in hindsight I shouldn't have been so inviting. Starting my warm up I watched this long legged creature mimic my path. She stayed far enough away to practice good social distancing, but she made sure I could still see her.

I turned onto the dirt road towards the lake and boom she bolted from the trees directly in front of me, maybe twenty feet between us. She even stopped mid stride, tilted her head and nodded.

"What are you doing?"

She slowed her pace and waited for me to catch up. At this point, I thought she might just head back into the woods, but no my deer friend kept a close eye on me with every step I took. She must be a fan of the Police.

I wasn't sure what to do. She had a skip to her walk and I swear she smiled as we continued to exchange glances. Like most of her kind, I figured she would disappear at once but not this atypical girl.

I walked onward.

"It's okay you can go back. I'll just walk for a bit."

She didn't like my words. Perhaps she fumed or she was disappointed, all I know is she ran across the dirt road and over the fence into the adjacent woods.

I thought that was the end of our exchange, but she stopped yet again. She kept looking at me.

I have to admit, I felt a bit apprehensive at this point. I wasn't sure what her intentions were. Turning around, I decided to go back to the main road.

She would have none of it. She hastened her approach through the trees.

"Stay! I have to go and run. You stay!"

She lowered her head. I didn't look back to see whether there were any fresh tears on her face.
Independent and true to her spirit, she didn't want me to forget her, that much was clear. Her long legs jumped over the fence and she ran across my path one more time before returning to the forest.

I shortened my stride and decided it was time to run. I didn't need her as a running companion despite the potential banter and companionship.

Over the next hour I ran along the lake without incident. Despite the light rain and the warmer weather, it felt like any other run, save the thoughts of this sweet deer who crossed my path. Feeling more confident that I would be solo for the remainder of the run, I cut onto another dirt road.

It was less than two minutes when I stumbled across her and one of her girlfriends. I imagine she had been busy sharing her version of the story of our fateful meeting. While her friend rushed for the trees, she was hesitant. I watched her follow for several strides only to stop in a small clearing where she would have a direct view of my path.

We exchanged one final look as I disappeared on the windy road. 

Leaving her behind, I wondered where did all the men go? During this quarantine period were they separated too?

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