Life & Death

It was a peaceful fall day. The sun was shinning and the air was crisp. It wasn't a cold air, just cool. It was the kind of air that woke you up and made you feel refreshed. I began my walk down to the bus stop taking in the fresh air and enjoying the scenery. As I got closer to the bus stop, I noticed a chipmunk in the road. I'd seen plenty in the distance, but never up close.

As I got closer I waited for it to run away. It did not. I thought perhaps it was sleeping, but I guess I knew it was dead, it was after all in the middle of the road. As I passed the dead animal, I worried about my son who would soon be getting off the bus and walking down the same street. I wondered if he too would notice the dead animal, and become upset. I wanted to protect him, but I know I can't protect him from everything. Death is part of life.

He gets off the bus and we walk down the street.

See this and other stories at,
Vonda Menard Stories