As I looked up, both deer began to move back toward the forest, the smaller one pausing just long enough to look back — almost as if it was asking me to follow. Against all reason, I did. I stepped into the woods, the air growing colder and quieter with each step. The deer led me to a small clearing I had never noticed before, centered by a massive oak tree that looked ancient, powerful. Then, without warning, the deer vanished — as if they had never been there.