Its late I take the dogs to walk.

The light is dim beneath the trees.

A pair of young men step out from the shadows.

Hello granddad one says and shows a blade.

Give me your wallet and your phone.

I watch and see the second one step back.

I say to him hold my dogs I’ll give you what you want.

He stretches out and takes the leads thank you I say.

The knife says hurry up I haven’t got all night.

I put my hands into my pockets tacking my time to get it right.

I feel the sharp edge against my fingers they move up towards the grip.

It’s not bone handled as in my youth but practical stainless steel.

I offer my phone with my left hand and smile.

The knife stretches out to take the proffered phone.

One swift movement my right hand plunges the blade into his chest.

He gasps and says you stabbed me granddad.

I looked into his eyes and said I have done much more than that.

He said granddad you are not a victim you shit.

I replied you are going to be dead in two minutes.

Is there nothing you feel the need to say?

His mate was sick and ran away.

I pulled the blade from his chest the blood ran free.

He coughed and looked at me.

I called the dogs picked up the leads.

I turned and looked as his dark soul was freed.

I walked home remembering to pick up the poo.

The knife was rinsed the dishwasher removed the traces.

Granddads life goes on no guilt or regret death holds no fear.

The young think they alone are brave.

They forget that to the old death is always near.

The young can always run away live to fight another day.

The old just stand and fight they have no fear of dying.