Courage, Dear Heart by Erica Alexander

Author:Erica Alexander [Alexander, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Erica Alexander
Published: 2025-04-03T00:00:00+00:00

FORTY

Jillian

The sun casts shimmering gold flecks over the water’s surface as we settle into our spots along the river. I look at the lazy current and frown.

Elliott tugs at a corner of the blanket. “Don’t worry about him being so close to the water. I won’t take my eyes off him.”

He correctly reads my expression. Even if Jamie is a good swimmer, thanks to years of lessons at the Y, he’s not used to anything other than a pool.

I walk to the bank, scrutinizing the water.

Elliott comes to my side. “It’s very shallow all around for at least ten feet in. I grew up playing in this river. The water is no higher than his knees.”

It’s true. The water is so clear I can see every pebble under the surface for several feet. I drag in a breath and force myself to relax. Jamie is so excited, I don’t want to take away from this experience.

Elliott hands Jamie a small fishing rod. My son watches and listens with intense focus as Elliott explains how to cast the fishing line.

“Here you go, buddy. Hold the rod like this.” Elliott guides Jamie’s hands with gentle precision. “Now you sit and wait. When you feel a tug, reel it in.”

Jamie looks at me, and I smile. A soft breeze ripples through the trees, carrying the scent of wildflowers and damp earth. I lie down on the blanket Elliott set up near the water’s edge and close my eyes, enjoying the early morning sun on my face, the sound of lapping water against the shore, and the birds singing in the trees.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.