Carter's Cove
Discover more from Megan Clouse: PhotoStory
Nick closed the back door quietly behind him, not wanting to wake everyone still asleep in the house. A note was left on the kitchen counter, “Mom, I went to fish Carter’s Cove and will be back by 10. Hopefully with a fish. - Nick” With his little brother burrowed into a sleeping bag in the living room next to the school friend sleeping over, and his dad upstairs asleep after working the late shift, he knew his mom would be up first to see the note.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich was tucked into his backpack and with his case of lures snapped tightly shut, he used the heel of his foot to push the kickstand up into place and rode his bike 2 miles down to Carter’s. At the time, he didn’t give it much thought, but years later, as an adult, he’d look back and be grateful for how fortunate he was for his encouraging parents who taught him to explore confidently.
Back home that afternoon, Nick, his dad, brother, and school friend swam in the pool, doing cannonballs and playing tag. And that night, they sat on the back deck and enjoyed plates full of fish tacos piled high with jack cheese, avocado, and salsa. Thanks to Nick.
[photograph by me - story is fictional]
Note: While photographing a (quite foggy) summer family session, this boy plopped his bike down at the edge of the road and casually walked past us, presumably to his favorite fishing spot. I turned to the family and lamented in a whisper, how much I loved this moment and how I wished all kids could grow up with such freedom and independence.