Allan stepped outside, carefully approaching the fawn as snow gathered on its fragile body. Using the hammer, he gently broke away the wooden slats trapping its leg. He shielded the fawn from debris with his arm, staying alert for signs of the mother or a territorial buck nearby.
With the final piece of wood removed, the fawn’s leg was free. Allan stepped back, expecting it to move, but it remained glued to the spot. Its trembling body and shallow breaths showed it was too feeble to rise. His chest tightened with helpless frustration.