Hao wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes,then turned back and smiled at his father.
Dad didn't continue the topic.He just walked back with Hao to their seatsand watched the fishing float quietly.
The noon sun was getting hotter,the air heavy and still.
Hao kept drinking water,until he finished the last drop.
He turned to his father,"Can I get some money to buy water?"
Dad said,"I'll go. Maybe I'll get us some lunch too."
Hao nodded,"I'll keep an eye on the float."
Dad gave a small nod and walked away.
Hao sat there,looking at the sky, lost in thought.
Something felt different.He remembered—the past didn't happen like this.
Back then, the younger Hao didn't know how to fish.He messed things up,made the first fish escape.Dad got a bit angry that day.Mom and the others only came in the afternoon.
Hao remembered asking for money to buy drinks—and getting scolded.Then getting lectured again at home."No one wants to take me out."
That was the feeling back then.
But now…it felt good somehow.Quiet. Warm.
Dad came back with food and drinks.
Dad: "Any fish yet? You eat first."Hao: "Too hot. No fish."
Hao opened the lunch box and started eating.Dad picked up the reel, checking the bait.
Dad: "The bait's gone. No wonder."
Their eyes met,and both laughed softly.
Waiting for nothing —still feels nice.
Dad rebaited the hook,cast the line again,then went to wash his hands before eating.
Dad: "Good?"Hao: "Yeah… it's good."
Dad handed him a bottle of water.Hao took it,drank quickly —the heat was too much.
After finishing lunch,Hao went to the restroom.
When he came back,the line was tight —Dad was pulling something in.
Hao ran over with the net,helping scoop up the fish.
Dad reached out his hand.Hao lifted his too.
A small high five —simple,but warm.
The sound of the wind brushed past the pond,carrying the quiet laughter of father and son.
Somewhere deep inside,Hao felt something shift —as if time itself had taken a different path.
Maybe…this small momentwas already changing everything.