Page 14 of The One that Got Away

Lisa's eyes glistened, holding back a sea of emotions. Here was Lyle, who'd seen her at her best and worst, still believing in her when her own faith wavered. It was heartwarming and thrilling to be seen so clearly, and it ignited a flicker of hope within her chest.

"Maybe so," she whispered, allowing herself a small, grateful smile. "But sometimes, even lionesses need a moment to roar before they can fight again."

"Then roar, Lisa," Lyle encouraged with a gentle nudge, his gaze unwavering. "Roar until the skies clear and you remember the strength that's carried you this far. Because I have no doubt it'll carry you through whatever comes next."

His words were the very essence of encouragement, spoken with a conviction that seemed to pierce through the fog of her anxiety. At that moment, Lisa felt the raw edges of her resolve begin to knit back together, bolstered by the support of a friend who saw her not just as a neighbor in distress but as a warrior capable of weathering any attack from the outside world.

The next day, Lisa stood behind the counter, her hands gripping the edge as if it might anchor her amidst the chaos of her life. Oliver had left once again to spend time with his son—and Ava. He almost seemed relieved that he was able to get away when he told Lisa that same morning that he had promised to take them both fishing.

Both of them.

The bell above the door jingled gently—a reminder of the world moving on outside her swirling thoughts. She felt Lyle's presence before she saw him, a comforting solidity in the small space.

"Lisa," he began, his voice pulling her gaze upward. "I've been thinking." He paused, the lines around his eyes softening with concern. "You're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, and you do it with such grace. But even the strongest of us need a break."

She watched him and saw the sincerity etched into his weathered features. There was a tenderness there, a quiet longing that made her heart skip just slightly—not from romance, but from the sheer kindness he exuded.

"Julia's no trouble at all, and I'd be glad to watch her for a while. I can take her for a walk or even just sit with her while she plays. Take some time for yourself. You deserve that much, at least."

Her chest tightened. The offer was tempting—more than tempting, necessary. She needed space to breathe, to gather the scattered pieces of herself. And yet, her eyes flickered with hesitation, noting the way Lyle's gaze lingered on her, warm and perhaps wanting more than she could give.

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose?—"

"Lisa," Lyle cut in, his voice firm yet gentle. "It's not imposing. It's me… offering a hand to a friend in need. Sometimes, we have to accept help to find our strength again."

The silent battle within her ebbed away, replaced by a wave of gratitude. Lyle's offer was a lifeline, one she was foolish even to consider refusing. Her shoulders relaxed, the tension that had coiled there dissipating like morning mist.

"Thank you, Lyle," she said, her voice barely louder than the refrigerator's hum behind her. "I… I would really appreciate that."

"Then, it's settled." He smiled, and she couldn't help but return it, however fleetingly. "Go on now. I'll close up here and take Julia for a stroll. You know she loves looking at the ducks down at Miller's Pond."

"Okay." She untied her apron, feeling the fabric slide through her fingers like sand. A momentary pause, and then she moved, stepping out from behind the counter with a resolve she hadn't felt in days.

"See you in a couple of hours," she called over her shoulder, pushing open the cafe door and letting the sunlight wash over her. The fresh air filled her lungs, a sweet promise of reprieve. As she walked the familiar path toward the ocean, what used to be her favorite place to go, Lisa allowed herself to envision an afternoon unfettered by demands or worries—an afternoon where the only company she kept was her own, heartwarming and thrilling in its simplicity.

Oliver's heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves as he watched Daniel, his small frame dwarfed by the oversized fishing rod gripped in his tiny hands. The boy's focus was laser-sharp on the surface where the hook had disappeared, his tongue poking out slightly in concentration—a mirror image of Oliver's childhood habit. The peacefulness of the lakefront weaved seamlessly into their silent companionship, with only the occasional chirp of a nearby bird or the gentle lapping of water against the shore filling the quiet.

"No fishies?" Daniel finally asked, his voice hopeful but tinged with the innocence of doubt.

"Out here? There are tons of them," Oliver assured with a confident smile, though he knew that the real catch of the day would be the bond forming between them, not the fish at the end of the line.

The line plunged suddenly beneath the surface, and Daniel's eyes widened with surprise.

"I got one!" he yelled, excitement crackling through his words like static.

"Reel it in, buddy! Steady now," Oliver guided, standing close enough to assist but allowing Daniel the thrill of the moment. His hands hovered, ready to help, but the boy's determination surged through his tiny body, drawing the fish closer with every turn of the reel. Oliver stood behind him and helped pull it the last part, and Ava came up next to him, admiration in her eyes, while Oliver thought:

This is my family, too. We love each other.

The suspense hung in the air, thick as the humid summer breeze, until finally, with a triumphant grunt and help from both parents, Daniel pulled a small bass from the water. Its scales glinted like fresh coins in the sunlight, and Oliver couldn't suppress the pride swelling in his chest.

"Look at what you've caught!" Oliver exclaimed, ruffling Daniel's hair affectionately. "You're a natural, just like?—"

He stopped short, the word "me" lingering unsaid on his lips. He was about to claim a connection he hadn't earned yet, but their shared grin, as wide and bright as the open sky, told him they were getting there.

“Just like his dad,” Ava said.

“I guess, huh?” Oliver said.

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