Not Today

NOT TODAY
Word Count: 435

Dawn was just breaking over the hill, painting the sky in hues of purple, pink and orange. My ten-year old grandson and I were wrapped up like Eskimos, sitting in a deer blind, trying to stay warm.

"Gramma?" Charlie asked, his hushed voice small against the darkness The deer weren't moving yet but he knew he couldn't be loud.. "Do you know anything about Chinese zodiac signs?"

"Not much, honey," I whispered. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, we're learning about astrology in school, and I found out I was born in the Year of the Rooster," explained Charlie.

"I know I was born in the Year of the Horse," I softly chuckled. "That's about all I know about Chinese zodiac signs."

Within seconds Charlie was busy on his cell phone, using Google to learn more. "Oh, wow! Mom was born in the Year of the Snake," he said. "I bet you're glad you weren't!"

"That is a big 10-4, Buddy," I replied. "I'm glad I was born a horse; you know how afraid of snakes I am. It's a downright phobia, really. Have they taught you anything about the astrological signs, like Aquarius? You're an Aquarius, you know."

"Yes, I know that - and I pretty much fit the personality of an Aquarian," he whispered. "Isn't that weird?"

"Not really," I answered. "I'm a Leo and I definitely fit that mold!" My mind shifted into memory mode. I remembered the first time I was told about astrological signs and how I felt when I looked up Leo's attributes. Seemed like yesterday. Even though I'm a Boomer, I can still remember how it felt to be a kid, full of wonder.

Watching the sun rise like a great ball of fire, I was also full of wonder. A single ray broke out from between two clouds and dewy grass glistened where it landed. Before I could remark, a doe and her fawn stepped into the light, noses to the ground, searching for corn the feeder had spewed. They were beautiful, that doe and her daughter.

Charlie was watching them, too, and without saying a word switched his rifle to safety and lowered it to the ground, propping it up against the wall. For a moment the world was enshrined in silence and we both felt the presence of God. He may be a member of Generation Z, but Charlie and I share a bond not typical of Boomers and their grandchildren. I didn't have to utter a word about the beauty of the scene in front of us, he felt it, too.

"You know what, Gramma?" he whispered. "I don't want to shoot a deer today."

"I'm with ya, honey," I whispered back. "I'm right there with ya."