Page 51 of Changing Tides

Pride swells within me as I watch her and Leia’s exchange, knowing that I played a small part in this unforgettable moment.

Together, the three of us gently remove the fish from the hook and release it back into the water, watching as it darts away beneath the surface.

“I’m so proud of you, squirt,” Avie says as she wraps her arms around Leia’s shoulders.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sand, we all retire to the tent, and Avie and Amiya empty the contents of the cooler and spread a buffet of meats, cheeses, and crackers across a towel for us all to enjoy while we watch the sunset.

Parker and Anson make their way back to the water to pack up our gear, and Amiya follows to dip her toes into the sea.

Leia curls up in her mother’s arms, and her eyelids grow heavy.

“You know, this day will be etched in her memory forever. Just like the first time my dad and Gramps took me fishing,” I say.

Avie threads her fingers through Leia’s curls.

“Mine too,” she whispers and then sighs.

It’s a sound of contentment.

Days like today are a reminder of the simple joys that are found in teaching and learning. A joy that is too often lost aboard our charters, where we have to cope with arrogant or drunken idiots. Moments like this are why I love it so much.

By the time we make it back to the marina, Leia has caught her second wind and reminds me that I owe her ice cream.

Parker helps me get the boat settled in while Anson is in the back of the boat, huddled under a blanket with Amiya.

“They look cozy,” Parker states.

They do indeed.

“Think I’m going to head to the bar tonight and see if I can find a stranger to wrap herself around me tonight too,” he says.

I grin at him.

We both know he’s going to sit in the corner and watch Audrey.

“Good luck,” I say.

“I guess that means you don’t want to join me,” he notes.

“I owe a cute girl ice cream. She’s earned it today,” I say.

He looks over his shoulder to where Avie is unhooking Leia’s life jacket.

“Today? She earned it when she wiped the floor with your ass with those crab legs,” he scoffs.

“That too.”

He hands me the rope, and I tie us off.

“Go on. Get out of here. We’ll get the rest,” I tell him, and he shouts his goodbyes to everyone.

Avie takes Leia’s hand, and they walk up beside me with Amiya and Anson on their heels.

“Since it’s getting a little chilly out, why don’t I take Amiya and Leia home in the Bronco and you drive the golf cart?” Anson suggests.

“No,” Leia starts to protest.

Amiya tugs one of her curls.

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