The Breakout by Scott Hendrix

Scott Hendrix Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-Hendrix/author/B09ZLMQP1N?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=f8705893-ce3c-4e50-9014-cbd87482ebef

The Breakout by Scott Hendrix
In the summer of his tenth year, young Henry Mason wanders into the barn of the gruff old fisherman known as Chief, sparking an unlikely friendship. Intrigued by the boy's curiosity and appalled that he's never fished, Chief teaches Henry the art of fly casting with rhythmic hand claps and patient guidance. Soon, they share euphoric mornings on the lake, anchoring near a gnarled underwater branch where the scent of bedding bluegill fills the air. Henry's first catch—a shimmering bluegill—hooks him forever, and they fish together for years, forging a bond like father and son. Years later, after college, Henry returns home eager to reunite with Chief, only to learn he's confined to a nursing home. Spotting the frail man gazing longingly at a pond, Henry shares tales of Montana trout fishing, evoking Chief's youthful spirit. When Chief wistfully admits his dying wish is to fish with "his boy" again, Henry hatches a daring plan. Feigning a simple outing, he wheels Chief to the car, and they escape to Chief's overgrown property, adrenaline surging like a prison breakout. Dust-covered treasures await in the barn: fly rods Chief had saved for this very hope. Rigging the canoe and Chief's favorite popping bug, they glide to the familiar spot. As Chief inhales the musty bluegill scent and casts with trembling hands, landing a fish that bends his rod, time reverses. Pride and joy light his face, fulfilling a promise sealed in a framed photo labeled "For Henry," their final cast a triumphant echo of shared beginnings.

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