Second Harvest

Billy reluctantly agreed.

On the south side of the lake, a large outcrop of rocks hung over the edge of the lake. They built a fire under the large overhang. While they sat around on rocks warming themselves, thunder and more rain poured down. Sara had packed a delicious lunch with the help from Maura-who was more than anxious for a little peace and quiet from her guests. Billy soon forgot about the fish incident and everyone was feeling better. At one point, Abe tried to cheer up his brother.

"I can't wait to tell the whole town about the fish that got away from Billy." Abe held his arms out as wide as possible.

"Abe, my fish wasn't that big."

"The people in town don't know that do they?"

Billy laughed at his brother. Roy shook his head.

"Abraham Johansson, why would you go and tell a fish tale like that?"

"Well, the way I see it, Maw; if other fisherman come here and catch something smaller than the big fish"-Abe stretched his arms wide again-"that got away from Billy, they'll toss theirs back. They're going to want the big granddaddy that slipped through Billy's fingers. That means when we go fishing, we'll catch the fish they tossed back."

Sara and Roy burst into laughter. Roy shook his finger at Abe.

"Abe, you scare me sometimes with that brain of yours."

Abe was proud of his logical statement and held his chin high, arms folded. "I know."

More laughter erupted from the small group, echoing under the cliff. Suddenly, the rain stopped. In an instant, frogs started croaking and birds were singing. Steam immediately rose above the lake with the clouds parting and a beam of light shining on the water. Roy stood and walked into the developing sunlight; the heat felt good on his body. Closing his eyes, he leaned his head back facing the sun.

"Look, Roy," said Sara as she came up and slipped her arm into Roy's.

The desert was alive with vibrant colors. Velvet green blanketed the hills in all directions. Every plant was flowering and hummingbirds and bees were quickly taking advantage of the reprieve from the rain. Large white cumulus clouds rolled across the sky which was azure blue. A vivid rainbow appeared in the sky above their heads.

"It's beautiful Roy."

"It sure is." Roy wrapped his arm around Sara. "Thanks for suggesting this fishing trip too. I needed to get outside and a breath of fresh air."

Sara looked up at Roy and smiled.

One day, Roy was visiting the barbershop and had taken Abe and Billy along for haircuts. While waiting for the boys, Roy started reading a few of the newspapers sitting on the side tables. While thumbing through a paper from Flagstaff, in Northern Arizona, Roy noticed an article on the logging industry that was developing in the White Mountains, a range of mountains dividing upper and lower Arizona.