Dad’s Lure

Ema arrives at a rocky creek beneath a bridge and opens a tackle box. Ema holds a red-headed, white lure from Dad.

Ema: “One more cast with you.” Caption: “Dad’s lure.”

A memory shows Dad handing Ema the lure. Back at the creek, Ema checks and attaches it to the line.

Dad: “Watch the water first, Ema.” Ema: “I remember.” “All right. Let’s fish.”

Ema casts beside the bridge. The lure lands and passes a bass underwater.

Sound: “Plop.” Ema: “Nice and slow.”

The bass takes the lure and breaks the surface. Ema braces with the bent rod.

Ema: “Got you!” Sound: “Splash!” Ema: “Easy… easy…”

The bass pulls toward submerged wood and rocks. The line scrapes a rock as Ema struggles to turn the fish.

Ema: “Away from the rocks…” Sound: “Skrr…” Thought: “Not this one!”

The line snaps against the rock. Ema stares at the water, then sits on the bank.

Sound: “Snap!” Ema: “No!” “Dad gave me that lure.”

Ema stops at the edge instead of entering the deep water. After sitting and watching, Ema spots the bass with the lure near its mouth.

Ema: “No. Too deep.” Caption: “Watch the water first.” Caption: “Later…” Ema: “There you are.”

The bass shakes its head underwater. The lure comes free and rises toward the surface. Ema reaches for the landing net.

Sound: “Whip!” Ema: “It’s free!”

The floating lure drifts past the rocks. Ema crouches with the net and waits for the current.

Ema: “Come on… stay close.” “Let the water bring it.”

The lure approaches the net. Ema waits, then lifts it from the current in the mesh.

Ema: “Wait…” “Now.” “Got it.”

Ema examines the recovered lure, puts the tackle together, and walks along the creek at sunset.

Ema: “Back where you belong.” “You were right, Dad.” Caption: “One lure. One lesson.”

Ema notices movement in the water beyond the bridge, then looks upstream with the rod and tackle bag.

Ema: “Where are you going?” “Tomorrow. The upper pool.” Captions: “End of episode 01.” “Next: Beyond the Bridge.”