The Poisoned Legacy

l led his ten-year-old son, Mateo, to the river's edge. The early

smile, he handed him a fishing rod. "Let me show you how to fish,

and excitement as he listened int

cast the line into the water. You want to swing the rod b

angled around the rod on his first attempt. Maxwell chuckled and helped

when a fish bit

bobber floating on th

n a fish takes the bait, it will pull on the line and the bobber will disapp

"Do you think we'll catch any fish tod

ing is not just about catching fish. It's also about spending time with loved ones, enjo

ace. He watched the bobber with renewed focu

ance. Both father and son's heads snapped up.

laimed, his voice full of e

ence, his eyes shining with determination. He began to ree

water, and then, suddenly, it vanished! Mateo's hear

ng and wriggling on the end of the

encouraged him, a grin s

d to jerk and tug, Maxwell saw his son's shoulders start to droop in fatigue. Without hesit

said, his voice calm and reass

ing line with all their might. Slowly, but surely, the fish be

spraying water over the father-son duo. Mateo let out a gasp o

ed, his eyes wide with admirati

idescent green, and its powerful tail shimmering in the sun. It

firmly to stop its frantic flapping. Mateo watched in amazement as his fa

d, beaming with pride. "Your fir

"Can we take it home?" he asked e

d. "Of course

smiled. "I bet your mother is going to be thrilled with our catch today, Mateo. And

y set off along the well-worn path home. The forest around them seemed to come alive

ir surroundings. The sunlight streamed through the gaps in the trees, creating a dappled pat

casting a fond glance at his son. "The city was too crowded, too noisy

n his father's words. H

in came into view. A wisp of smoke curled from the chimney,

ning to Mateo with

ll, lithe figure, with a hint of a pregnant belly peeking out beneath her apron. Her blonde hair, usually

with joy. "And what have we here?" she asked, her ey

"A fine catch if I do say so myself. And guess who caught it?" H

"I'm impressed! This fish is almost as big as you are!" S

sabelle turned

air from her face, "I suppose we should celebrate our young fi

e said. "And after breakfast, why don't we take a walk by the river? The weather is per

, her gaze shifting betw

ghtly serious. "Mr. Brown called. He w

ful expression, the cares of his job as

he said, resolutely pushing any concerns about Mr. Brown's case to the back

ht, darling," she said, reaching for Maxwell's hand. "We'll enjoy our time toge

tch. "Can I help with the grilling,

etheart," Isabelle repl