Baron’s little sister makes a fish face using hands for gills. “You’re always late for dinner. You should’ve been a fish.”
“The neighbors will feed you,” Baron says, “but if I don’t fix the hydro fountain… No lights.”
She runs off.
Baron reaches into the hydro fountain for any loose connection. The town depends on this electricity, but nothing appears broken. Reaching further, his wrench falls into the lake water below. He dives after.
A fish rushes him, then another. He dives past them, despite murky vision. A rainbow trout circles his wrench near the bottom, and he grabs the tool tight. The swim up has a new rhythm. He notices the water’s elegance. He returns to the surface and gulps air. The uncomfortable breath bubbles in his lungs.
There’s the problem! A loose bolt, which can only be reached from this angle. Easy fix, but his hands are slippery. He raises the tool, confused on how to use it now. He tries many ways. Something clicks into place, and the fountain thrums. The lights above town shimmer. His lips purse in a smile below the water’s surface. His fingers tighten and firm together, losing grip on the wrench. He swallows water, watching the shoal below. Those circling beauties.
He waits a while, until a creature calls out at the water’s edge. The voice is familiar, soothing. They make a fin face with hands then throw breadcrumbs to Baron. He gobbles them up then sinks to the cool lake bottom to join the fish.
About the Author
L.M. Therrien (she/they) loves to adventure in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest with their family during the day and sneak off to a small desk to craft stories late at night. You can find her on Twitter @lm_therrien.