The Big Catch

The Big Catch

Fishin' Jim wrinkles his nose. The noxious smell of sewage distracts his longing heart. Rainbow colours dance off Lake Minerva's sludgy surface as he steers his boat between a rusting sunken barge and an island of tyres.

Sighing relief, he reaches deep water and casts off. He hoots at a sharp tug on his rod. Soon, his eyes bulge, feeling the power of the largest fish he's ever hooked. As his strength falters, the water erupts in a fountain. Jim's jaw unhinges as a mermaid breaks the surface, tangled in his line.

"Would you people ever leave me alone!" she yells, yanking at a plastic bag caught in her hair

"Hey. You're the Lady of the Lake"

Rolling her eyes, she grouses, "Oh, not another one."

Grinning, Jim says, "You gotta give me my wish."

"Well, spit it out!"

"Elvira Watson. She'll be mine!"

"Elvira? You sure about that?"

"As sure as I love fishin'."

"Alright, cut me loose, and she's yours."

Jim fist-pumps, yelling, "Woo-hoo!"

Mike sips his early morning coffee, leaning against the counter in Lake Minerva's Bait and Tackle.

"Mike Duvelle!"

Mike turns, grinning at the store's owner. "Hey, Bill."

"What's it been? A year?"

"Yup, home for a couple of weeks." A battered, pickup trundles by, pulling a fishing boat. "Say, ain't that Fishin' Jim? Kinda early."

Bill nods, chuckling. "Only time Elvira'll let 'im go."

"Elvira Watson? And Jim? How'd that happen?"

"Told me he hooked the Lady of the Lake. Elvira was his wish."

Mike winces, "Man, Elvira's meaner 'an..."

Bill's eyebrows climb. "Pretty, though."

Mike shakes his head. "A snake's a snake no matter how pretty you dress it up."

Bill nods. "You got that right. Now he's out trying to catch the Lady, so he can wish Elvira away."