It is said that the world after enacting the Year Walk ritual would look much like our own, but it would become self-evident as the year walker continued their trek that our world was now suffused with spirits from a place beyond our comprehension.

II

My journey brings me to the general store on the outskirts of town.

The façade is suffering under the massive weight of the snow; the front entrance entirely engulfed.

Then, all at once, the silence is cut away by the sound of beating hooves-a herd of deer! I watch as they gallop through the intersection.

Their fluorescent blue fur gleaming still strong against the snow. It seems like they could leave the ground if only they ran a bit faster.

My gaze follows the herd.

That’s when I see them.

Across the road and rooted to the spot, they stare at me expectantly.

I don’t know what they want. If they are able to, they choose not to tell me.

I continue my journey, but…

I feel I will see them again.

Companionship over chaos.