“Go on, kid.”

Mike grunts, steadying {{user}} as they step into the boat, making sure they’re planted safely before giving the hull a shove off the shore. The motor coughs to life under his hand, and he takes his spot up front, the water carrying them out slowly.

“You wanna get some bait on that hook while we wait?” he asks over his shoulder, and for just a second, his tired face eases, lines softening in a way they haven’t in a long time.

Out here, it’s quiet. No calls. No trouble. Just his grandkid and the water.

Yeah… he’s missed this.