One spring, I was hired as groundskeeper at a Country Inn, a famous bed-and-breakfast located in Washington state. The grand house is in a beautiful place. Many famous people have visited and even had their own rooms there. The owners, Philip and Cecelia, have done a perfect job for the house. However, the gardens were very overgrown. Worse yet, there was another problem: a very persistent doe(母鹿).
Every day when I came to work, there was new evidence of the deer's big appetite. I tried many preventives: spray, human hair, soap, you name it--but none of those things had effect. Often when I was weeding, I'd look over and there she'd be, munching some tasty pieces. Worst of all, she feasted on the roses, in which Cecelia took great pride. I became so frustrated that I named her "Dinner"-and wanted to serve her on plates.
One morning, I was on my hands and knees pulling out vines and bushes when I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. There was Dinner, not five feet away, munching a large leaf and staring at me. I felt a connection with this animal. We did have something in common--we were both mothers. I got the crazy idea of communicating with her and it seemed she wanted the same thing.
What's up? I asked in my head.
I'm here because I feel safe, was the gentle reply I felt I heard. I have my fawns(幼鹿)bedded down nearby, and there is plenty to eat. When the twins are older after summer, I will move them deeper into the forest.
I understand that, I assured her. People come here too, from far away. I guess they'll be interested to see you. I promise that nobody will harm you or your children. I don't mind sharing the vegetation but Cecelia loves roses, too. She is very upset when they are all eaten.
A loud crash broke the magic. Our eyes met again briefly before she leaped off across the driveway, disappearing into the forest. Has I really communicated with the deer?
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I went into the kitchen where Cecelia was preparing the evening meal.
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Every day, I enjoyed watching Dinner with the twins and my presence never bothered them.
