Snagged

SNAGGED We trod the dusty path home from school, mottled with casuarina shadows. Gurgling ripples gave way to deep pools, my brother skipping stones. Khaki Campbell ducks brought chuckles. Tipping back their heads, water dripped from beaks, filtered, from their prey. One day at the brook, a back-cast. The hook snagged our friend in the base of his thumb. Dad frowned. Reckon you could hold still, while I open it up a bit? Robin nodded, gritting his teeth. At nine he didn’t utter a sound, while Daddy’s sharpest pocket knife sliced into flesh. Blood flowed. I watched and howled. Robin ashen.Silent. Well, done, son it’s out.