Fishing — such a strange, charming thing.Waiting for the fish to bite, watching the float move,every tiny ripple makes the heart beat faster.
After Dad cast his first line of hope,he put the rod down quietly.The bait was a live shrimp,so the float moved sometimes,just a little.
The noon sun warmed everything,the air around the pond getting heavier.
Hao sat inside the small pavilion.After putting down his rod,Dad came over and sat beside him.
Maybe father and son always find it hard to talk.The air felt thick, a little awkward.
Dad opened his drink and took a sip.Hao sat quietly, saying nothing.
Maybe that's how most fathers and sons are.Dad leaves early for work,comes home late at night.The kid sleeps early for school.Days pass quietly,until silence becomes normal.
Dad must have felt the silence too,so he began talking —explaining how to tie the line,how the bait works,how the rod should move.
Hao listened.He used to love fishing too,so he could follow what Dad said.
Then Dad started talking about his old fishing days,the places he used to go,the big fish that got away.
Suddenly, the float went down —Dad jumped up, grabbed the rod.
The reel made that sharp zzii—zzii sound.Hao ran over with the net.Dad pulled hard,the fish fought back,the line trembling.
After a short struggle,the fish was near the shore.Hao leaned forward,used all his strength,and lifted it out of the water.
Dad saw the effort,smiled,and gently patted Hao's head.That simple touch —somehow made the awkwardness fade.
Dad put the fish into the net,then back into the pond water.
He hooked another bait,cast the second line of hope.
Then they walked back to the pavilion together.
Dad said,"How's school lately? Doing okay?"
Hao: "Pretty good. I met some nice friends."
Dad: "And grades? You must study hard,or you'll end up like me."
When Hao heard that,he turned his head away.Didn't answer.His nose felt sore.Tears suddenly slipped down his face.
He remembered—in the old days,after the accident,Dad's leg never healed right.Every step,a small limp.
A child can always feelthe changes in their parents.
Maybe fathers and sons don't say much,but they always understand.