The ultimate pitfall of online dating
That one feature keeping you addicted
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The old man looked admirably upon the young boy, as they strode the top deck of their fishing vessel. Silent in the glimmering sea, they paced to the bow as the sun rose an inch above the horizon. A sea of blue and red/gold, the old man’s well-worn wrinkles creased into a smile as he looked out and beyond the waves. The young boy stared up, saw the depths of his wisdom in a furrowed brow and tattered jacket. He was lucky to be aboard.
With the sail unfurled, the dawn winds cut across their cheeks and picked up their boat. They charted for deepwater, many miles offshore. The young boy would test his mettle today, the old man decided.
“You’ll take the lead today, lad.”
He nodded in approval, and the old man went back to his mug of coffee. He tried to remember how he acted when he was the boy’s age. Foggy memories flowed across his forebrain, moments of assured elation, and prolonged defeat. He was in for the long haul.
Their first line was in the water. Thin nylon descending down into the deepest of Sapphires.
“What’s your bait today, lad?” The old man wanted a careful explanation of choices.
“Sir, I’ve got two pictures of me drinking beers with my boys, hiking in the mountains with sunglasses and a crewneck from my alma mater, and a shirtless picture on the beach in Cancun.”
“Captions?”
“My favorite quote from The Wolf of Wall Street: On a daily basis I consume enough drugs to sedate Manhattan, Long Island, and Queens for a month.”
“Get going then.” He was proud, but would not show it yet.
The young boy tended to his reel as the ship bobbed in the modest waves. It was mid-morning. He felt a tug.
“Sir, I think I have something.” The old man remained silent. He watched the line go taut, the rod bending like a branch in the wind. The young boy resisted, eyes wide for a brief moment.
“Prepare your first message, then.”
He tugged and pulled on his rod as his thoughts slowly began to take shape on his lips.
