Digital image for the day (your writing story competition(109) || Crimson Lagoon

I never used to go fishing, but since I saw that thing in the lake I have not stopped casting my rod every day. Many have told me it was a disoriented shark; others the reflection of a bird in the water; a few say it was the Crozsunt, the millenary fish that watches over the precious lake.

I, on my part, say they are all crazy.

But, look, the afternoon I saw that thing, the water was very clear. I was staring at the water because I was struggling with the fish that had taken the bait and I saw it. I saw it as it swam past the fish. It was not easy to distinguish what it was because it looked almost transparent and, as I said, it was going very fast.

It's been two weeks since I've been looking to recreate the encounter, but nothing has happened. Faced with this desperate serenity, I came here today with the only two people, other than myself, who have had the strange creature appear to them. One is my godfather Bruce, iron-arm sailor, and the other, his little daughter, the lovely and intelligent Crystal.

We were paddling gently on the crimson lake, when I asked my godfather:

—Bruce, many say things about your arm, but what really happened?

—Haha, always so curious, my godson.

—Of course. That's why we're here today.

—Horace, it's a long story, but I'll just tell you that I was attacked by a moray eel on some reef somewhere in the world.

—I'd never think such a thing of a sea dog like you.

Oh, boy, I can tell you're a landlubber—laughed my godfather, looking up at the sky—. Old Blue always has something new for you, boy.

Yes, that's right. The other day I saw a new kind of big yellowish fish—said little Crystal energetically.

—Oh, yes, this little girl...

If it wasn't for my daddy cutting me off, I'd catch it with my mouth—she concluded.

Wow, is that how you fish?—I asked immediately.

—Yes, for as long as I can remember, I swim, swim, swim and crunch catch fish.

We laughed at Crystal's expression for a few seconds and then, cracking a few jokes, we paddled to the spot where I saw the thing.

We are now in the most anxious calm. Reeds wobble in the water. Birds make clouds above us. The starts illuminates our fishing. This moment seems like forever... it's never taken this long for me to get a bite.

—Horace, godson, it's getting closer!

—What do you say? I don't...

—Shh! Get ready.

My heart is about to burst out of my chest. Looks like I'm going to catch it, instead of a sea thing. Oh, my God!

—Bruce, the rod's like an earthquake, help!

—Hold it there, boy!

—Yeeaah, we've got the lake monster. Come on, Daddy!

—Now, Horace, pull it out with everything you got!

—Wow, I really can't feel my arms. Where's the creature?

—Hahaha, what a surprise. What a catch we've had.

As I feel almost faint from the effort I just made, I can't see clearly what the catch was. But as soon as I open my eyes wide, I see a hollow log with a plant or two in it. We laugh at the fiasco, free hooks and cast again.

We'll have to wait another hour—I said mockingly.

I'm not so sure—said Bruce, taking off his white t-shirt that has smelled like tuna all the time.

—Crystal, be attentive, baby. It's time to "warm up" a little.

Yes, daddy, go get that monster and bring it in filet—Crystal comments as if with sparkles in her eyes.

—But, godfather.....

In an instant Bruce had dived with the greatest skill in the world. Quickly he was out of sight and his daughter kept cheering him on.

I was thinking about this sudden event for a while. But I stopped because just now the little girl fell silent.

—What is it, Crystal?

—It looks to me like daddy is fighting. It's a big fish. It's a pirarucu!

—A pira... what?

And out of a mini-explosion on the surface comes my godfather, clutching a silver fish with a long, flattened mouth like a duck.

Dad, Dad, you can do it—Crystal shouts.

I'm stunned. My legs are shaking. What should I do?

When I think of doing something, the fish seems to submerge my godfather with it. I fear for his life, Crystal's and mine.

I hear a thundering of bones and a deep breath very close to me. I turn and realize that Crystal is gaining momentum and violently throws herself into the water.

Now a short hiss explodes and echoes across the lake. I search for its source, but find nothing.

Suddenly, the surface of the lake takes on a whitish coloration and I see something comes up. It's Bruce as I've never seen him before: passed out. I'm about to dive in to bring him to the boat, but I see something gently pushing him towards the boat.

—What the heck is going on, Bruce? Are you alive? Say something!

In short order Bruce's body not only touches the boat, but is pulled up by I don't know what. He soon expels the water inside him and with horror I feel something else climb into the boat and turn colorful little by little. It is Crystal with gills on her neck and golden fish eyes, like treasure coins.

To be continued...

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