In the accompaniment of the wild wind and distant wolf howls, he and Martha celebrated their victory and life in the most primal and fervent way...
And shortly after that hunt, Aliya and Kley, the twin siblings, were born into this world.
The corners of Robert's mouth involuntarily curved into a gentle arc.
He seemed to return to those passionate youthful years, and the Ruger M77 in his hand seemed to transform into the old companion that had accompanied him in conquering the wilderness.
And the elk in the scope merged into one with the huge moose from back then.
All his tension and distractions dissipated in this warm memory.
All that was left was the purest focus and calm of a hunter.
He slowly placed the pad of the first joint of his index finger gently on the cold trigger.
Then, in the moment when he exhaled his last breath and his heartbeat entered a brief moment of calm...
Just like more than forty years ago, under Martha's loving gaze.
He pulled the trigger.
