again.
The light started to fade and things went black. Bernard floated to the water's surface not breathing. Suddenly, he began trashing around and changed from fish to human. The other fish all scattered.
“I am human again,” shouted Bernard from the top of his lungs. He started to find his stroke and made it to shore. He was out of breath and coughing up water. He rubbed his shoulder and touched his lip; the lure was gone.
The two fishermen were stunned.
“Hey, you’re that guy who everyone is looking for.”
“How would you guys like to catch a really huge pike?
“Sure would.”
“Great this is what you have to do.”
Once the two fishermen had left, Tatiana cut through the surface and watched Bernard walk away.
7
Bernard stood in the sunshine in front of a large group of people that included environmental protesters, company officials, and reporters.
“I am truly sorry for all of the environmental damage that I have caused, the heartache, and the anger. As humans and on top of the food chain, sometimes we think that we are invincible and have license to do whatever is good for us. We forget that the food chain is a delicate balance and when one upsets one end of it, the entire structure suffers.”
There were a few people clapping, but many just stood there in total disbelief.
“I know deep in my heart that I deserve jail time for my actions. However, instead of rotting away in prison where I will be of no good to society, I would rather continue as my post as CEO where I plan to donate some of the proceeds of our profits to environmental causes. Furthermore, we are going to produce friendlier products and I can assure you that will no longer dump chemicals into the river and lake. I am looking forward to working with all of you on several proposed ecological projects.”
The crowd clapped and some even cheered, but certain individuals didn’t believe what they were hearing.
Amanda Stevens, the reporter, looked up at him. “Mr. Fish, what made you change your mind?”
Bernard shrugged his shoulders. “Some things are best left unexplained.” He smiled at Amanda.
8
The sun was setting over the great water that surrounded his cottage. Instead of sitting on the deck, Barnard sat at the edge of the knoll grass and threw corn that hundreds of fish, mostly trout, ate with great relish.
The Poppy
It was a cold, overcast day at the soldier’s monument. Mr. Cluster’s high school history class stood in the frigid temperatures probably thinking of other things rather than the ceremony that was taking place right before them. It was Remembrance Day in Canada and Veteran’s Day in America. The teacher had taken his class to witness the placement of the wreaths and to understand the sacrifice that the men and women made for the sake of freedom.
In a precautionary move, the wise instructor had confiscated all cell phone devices so not to be embarrassed like he had been a couple of years ago when a student had been texting something during a veteran’s moving speech. Although he had spent some time in class preparing the students for the seriousness of the event, there was no way that he could watch over all of them.
Eric Sanderson stood with the rest of his classmates and shifted back and forth to regain feeling in his feet. He kept making fists exercising his fingers to keep them warm. He wore a poppy that was sloppily hooked to his jacket. He seemed anxious as one of the veterans, Blair McCaffey, who had served in the Navy, spoke of his experiences from a wheelchair.
“The waters were infested with Japanese subs, but we had to get the supplies to our men because they were so desperately needed.”
Boring! Boring! Boring! Shut up you old bastard and let’s go back in the bus.
“It was the most important mission that I had ever been on and a turning point in my life.”
And you kicked the crap out of a bunch of Japs and got a medal. You’re a hero. Now shut up and let’s go.
“I won’t keep you much longer. But I was proud to serve my country and someday you might get the chance to do the same. Savor every minute of it. Thank you.”
Someone wheeled McCaffey away. The students and everyone else applauded; Eric clapped a little harder.
Finally he shut up. You thought he was running for President or something.
“And now we will hear from George McRea.”
The decorated veteran shuffled forward in his walker and it seemed to take forever for him to make it to the microphone. He only had one arm.
Oh, God, not another dribbling old geezer.
McCrea made it to the microphone and smiled. His old man’s smile warmed a few hearts. “I’ll keep this simple and short. I served in the War and saw my friends die. I hope that none of you ever have to do the same. Thank you.”
He shuffled away to thunderous applause.
“And now we will lay a wreath.”
Eric leaned forward like he was going to fall over but straightened out. In the process his poppy fell off his coat; he didn’t notice.
“We are going to ask a couple of students from the high school to assist us.”
Before he knew what was going on, a finger was pointed at him and Eric was forced to step forward. He stepped on the poppy and moved up with Donna Pullford, a nice looking girl who had cried during the veteran’s stories.
Oh God, why do I have to this with Eric?
Eric smirked as he walked up to put the wreath on the stand. He was holding everything back not to laugh out loud.
Who gives a shit about a wreath? What a bunch of crap. Instead they should save their money and give the old geezers some Ben Gay.
The thought generated a large laugh bubble that was impossible for him to hold in. At the most crucial moment he burst out laughing and fell over on the stand nearly crushing it. Donna stood there frozen not sure what to do or say. Mr. Cluster was stunned beyond words.
Everyone stared at Eric who laughed so hard that he nearly peed his pants. His eyes were red and he wiped tears from them. He looked up and just one glimpse at the teacher’s face made him realize that this was not a good thing. He straightened up and pulled up the stand.
Although he wasn’t a large boy, the force of him falling on the stand had bent it way out of shape. This brought another round of laughter that nearly toppled him over again. He managed to hang onto Donna who was not impressed with his immature behavior.
The hostess of the ceremony moved forward and began to try and straighten out the stand. She pulled on it hard trying to bend the wire but it seemed impossible. It took a minute, but Donna bent down and helped her out. Eric stood there with
