Twilight Time

The fish had put up a great fight, the grandest Ben could recall. He reached down over the edge of the boat to take the hook out the fish’s mouth. Catch and release, that was how he had been brought up and that was the way it had always been.

“Thanks for the battle big guy,” he said out loud. “Maybe we will meet again someday.”

Looking around, Ben could feel a sense of well being sweep through him all the way to his very soul. Life had been good to him, and he had been good to it. A philanthropist of generous means, he had spent his life helping those around him rise above themselves. Anyone that came in contact with Ben was sure to leave a better person. He was just that kind of guy.

As twilight approached, Ben headed towards the shore of the quite blue lake. It had been a great day of solitude, reflection and of course, fishing. It wasn’t long before he was able to make out a figure standing on the small pier. It looked like a young man in his thirties. He looked up and waved at Ben who curiously waved back. The stranger looked familiar.

The man motioned for Ben to toss over the mooring rope and tied the small craft to a cleat.

“How was the fishing today?” the stranger asked.

“The fishing was great,” Ben replied and then, “I’m sorry but … don’t I know you from somewhere?”

“You certainly do. My name is Ben, Ben junior. I’m your son,” he said smiling.

“Oh that’s right. I’m getting old. My memory is not what it once was.”

“That’s okay Dad. I’ll always remember you.”

The two walked side by side back to the lake house.

Word count 299


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