The Cull

I am a junior park ranger, dispatched to old man Miller's property to cull a pack of 'aggressive coyotes' that he claimed were terrorizing him. Miller was shaking as he unlocked the gate, refusing to meet my eyes, just begging me to 'get it done fast.' Deep in the woods, I encountered the pack. But they didn't attack. They circled me, yipping and nudging, desperately trying to herd me *away* from the center of the grove. Confused, I looked past them and froze. I recognized the trees immediately—Ancient Black Walnut. I had only seen that distinct, dark grain once before: lining the walls of Senator Higgins' private study. I lowered my rifle, realizing too late that the coyotes weren't the monsters here. The official coroner's report states I was mauled to death by wild beasts due to my own inexperience.