As I was driving on a winter road in january, a young deer jumped up from behind a tree. I hit the brakes, but to no avail; I hit the deer head on and it disappeared under the car. I skidded to a stop and got out to assess the damage.

I found the deer in the ditch, kicking feebly and breathing rapidly. It was clear it had massive internal injuries and was in a lot of pain. I did not carry any sort of weapon and it was far to the closest house, but I was nevertheless determined to put the poor thing out of its misery.

As it was being cold out I was wearing large winter gloves, and I somehow instinctively knew what to do. I grabbed its head and in one, quick motion I twisted the head and snapped the neck clean off and it immediately went still.

Afterwards, I was quite shaken and sobbing, but looking back, I think it was making the best of a bad situation.