The Loneliness of Stars

by Z. M. Wilmot

25

  “If a wild animal ever charges you, there are several things you should never do. One of them is running. Chances are, the beast can outrun you, and you’ll only encourage it. The second is to not show fear – that also will encourage it. The third is to not sit there and do nothing – that will only get you killed. What you need to do is try to dodge it; sidestep, duck, and use its own momentum against it. Use the precious seconds gained to ready your weapon, and shoot to kill. Of course, if the beast is sufficiently agile so as to turn on a dime, then there isn’t much you can do but pray to God that it doesn’t want to hurt you.”