The sun sparkled gently on the flat, glass-like water.
A tiny ripple disturbed the lake, caused by a little dinghy rocking softly.
Down in the water, the boat's name, Alice, was reflected and shimmered gently.
''So you heard that Dom's moving?'' asked Peter.
''Yeah, I guess that he isn't cut out for the country life,'' Max replied.
''Well, quite a few people aren't.''
Peter leaned over, adjusting his rod before carrying on.
''I mean, look at you and me, country life is all we have ever known, so we love it. But it's a complete change for city folk and so more of a shock to being `separated' from society, so to speak.''
''Well true, but there are some that have switched,'' said Max.
''Remember Ben and Wendy?''
''Yeah, true,'' agreed Peter.
''At least we can still find time to do this most weekends. Just kick back, relax, catch a few fish,'' Max said.
''And a couple of beers from time to time,'' chirped Peter, pulling a couple out of the chilly bin beside him.
''Cheers.''
Both had finished their beers when Max jumped up and exclaimed: ''I've got something,'' before grabbing his reel and winding it in carefully.
Peter grabbed the net and waited by the edge of the boat, until he saw a flash of silver and slowly lowered the net.
With Max keeping the line tight, Peter skilfully scooped the fish out into the dinghy.
''Looks like a decent size.''
'''Bout a five-pounder I reckon, but that should be our last one for the day. We won't eat any more if we catch them,'' Max speculated.
''I was just thinking the same thing myself,'' smiled Peter, starting the engine.
The silence was broken by the roar of the engine as Peter steered the dinghy in a circle back to shore.
''Well that was a great time again, thanks for letting me come,'' Max said.
''You're always welcome, you know that. Just give me a call and I'll always be keen to come out with you,'' Peter turned the wheel, taking in the lakeside as he drew nearer.
The weeping willows draped over each other to dangle the tip of their branches in the water as a pair of ducks floated by under the leaves.
The sun-dappled leaves waved gently in the breeze.
''We should try some duck next weekend, might have some fish left over but we could always save the duck for later,'' Peter proposed.
''I'd be keen for that,'' Max said leaning over, getting ready to grab on to the quaint jetty so Peter could bring the truck and boat trailer around.
''Be back in a minute,'' Peter said over his shoulder as he jumped up on to the wooden planking of the jetty.
• By Sam Keenan, Year 12, Gore High School
