I strolled from the edge of my woods on a cool fall afternoon and felt the freshly mowed sod beneath me. I liked how the cut grass rubbed the bottom of my feet. While I enjoyed a fresh breeze on my face and the warm sun on my back, I heard a screen door open with a squeak.

I looked up. Dressed in a greyed undershirt and baggy blue jeans, my neighbor stood on the concrete step in the back of his house. He pointed at me and smiled so I began walking towards him.

"Honey," he called into the house, "bring me my bow."

No need to get dressed up for me, I thought to myself.

When I was halfway through the grassy backyard, the wife appeared in the shadow of the doorway. She was barefoot and wrapped in a flower-patterned bathrobe. I paused and nodded my head. She put her hand on his shoulder and stepped directly behind him.

My neighbor chuckled, "He's a big one."

A guy tries to show a little respect, and all he gets in return is insulted. I shook my head and kicked a dirt clod on the ground. I could say something about your yard, guy.

"Be careful," the woman said to her husband before turning and disappearing into the house. She pulled the squeaky screen door shut behind her with a heavy thump.

He had better be careful, I thought. Sure, I put on a little weight over the summer, but he doesn't need to point it out. Some people are just so rude and inconsiderate.

My neighbor slowly raised his arm. I nodded my head in reply. He chuckled again, and a piece of metal glinted in the sunlight. I stopped midstep.

What in the world do you think you're doing? I kicked another clod of dirt in the middle of his backyard.

"Hold still, big fellow," he mumbled to himself as he fumbled with his hands.

I closed my eyes and shook my head.

Right, but I think I'd rather be going.

As I turned to leave, something sharp struck the side of my head. I stumbled but quickly regained my balance. Running towards my woods, I saw a stream of red flowing past my eye.

Once I was surrounded by the maples and pines, I stopped and looked back at the house. My neighbor kicked the concrete step. I rested my head on a nearby tree. Pieces of bark flecked with red tumbled to the forest floor.

I heard my neighbor talking to his wife. He finished with a final chuckle, "No fresh venison tonight, dear."