Low tide was quickly approaching the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Ben and his father knew that they had a very small window of opportunity to reach their favorite spot, where the sunlight reflected perfectly into the water illuminating groups of oysters. It would be there that they would spend hours of the day gathering up as many oysters as they could. Ben would watch his father as he dove down into the depths of the unknown. He would play the most important role of the day; watch for any oncoming predators. He would climb to the highest point of Miss Dotsy and scour the Chesapeake, like any pirate would. He would occasionally call out to Ellis who would be focused on the water as well, however, he would be awaiting the arrival of bushels of oysters that he would then haul onto the boat.

…

"Ben, come on we're not going to make it in time if you don't hurry up!" Ben's day dream had been interrupted and he was pulled back into reality. His pupils dilated, his heart began to flutter and he raced out the door of his narrow room.

"I'm coming Dad! Don't leave without me!"

…..

The fresh air blew through Ben's unkempt mane. Miss Dotsy plowed through the crashing waves that were ever so slowly switching to low tide. Ellis navigated to "the spot" while Ben and his father peered out into the distance on Miss Dotsy's stern.

"Are you excited buddy?"

"I'm so excited Dad! I'm going to make sure that no bull sharks come close to you or the boat. Do you remember be warning signal?" A smirk danced across Ben's face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a jet black coach's whistle.

"I remember, bud. If you blow the whistle I have to come up to the surface as fast as possible."

"That's right Dad! I remember that Ms. Wilson told us that bulls sharks are really hungry fish. She told us that if you are ever swimming you have to try and get out of the water as fast as you can. Then Jimmy started to tell us about how one time on tv he saw this movie where…"

"Okay Ben, that's enough. It looks like we're getting really close to "the spot." Let's head to the back of the boat so I can get my suit on, bud."

…..

Ellis began his routine of slowly coasting into the approximate area where they would stop. As the boat came to a halt he, by instinct, grabbed the rusty anchor and tossed it over board.

"Ellis you're so super strong. Dad says that if I eat my vegetables I will be as strong as you one day!" Before Ellis could speak Dick gave him a thumbs up, their signal that he would be diving momentarily.

"Ben can you come here for a minute son?" Ben's head whipped around and his scrawny legs moved faster ever. "Ben, I just wanted to talk to you for a minute. I wanted to say that I love you very much."

"I love you too Dad! And I love you so so so much for taking me with you today! We're going to have so much fun and…"

"Ben let me finish bud. I wanted to tell you that I love you and your mom very much. I know that we don't have a lot of nice things like some of your friends at school." Ben head tilted to the right and his expression grew puzzled. "I want to make you a promise. One day we will move into a bigger house and I will buy you your own boat. I will teach you how to collect oysters and you can do just what I do." Ben's arms wrapped around his father with as much strength as his eleven year old muscles could produce.

"Dad, you're the best! I can't wait to grow up and be just like you!" Those words sent a chill down Dick's spine. Life was never going to be the same for his beloved son. He had to do what he had to do to provide for his family even if that would inflict pain upon those that he loved. With one last hug, Dick dove into the calm water of the Chesapeake as Ben assumed his position, barely remembering to keep watch for any fuzz cods on the horizon.