She left me standing in the field, alone. I don't blame her, she has her temple to watch over. It seems everyone always has something to do or take care of something these days – except myself, unless you count taking care of myself as something to do. I love these lands, I really do, but lately they seem to be my prison rather than my comfort.
I steer Epona to the gates enclosing Lake Hylia and kick at her sides to make her gallop. From the way she was running, I could tell that she was nervous, but I knew she could make it. Almost feeling her stop and send me spiraling over her head, she jumped, cleaning the first fence and then quickly clearing the second one. Relieved, I slowed Epona down and jumped down as I saw the lake.
I walked across the grass, ignoring the Tektike as it jittered to face me and then jump. Moving from it, I looked at the scarecrows standing motionless … but I knew better. I don't know if they move and dance for everyone or just those with an instrument, but I have no need for them so I'm not going to bother walking to them.
Jumping into the water, I swam over to the fishing pond because why not? I have nothing better to do. Opening the door, I looked around. Empty, as usual. I'm not really sure how this guy even stays open if he never gets any customers.
He was standing there, scratching as usual, in his blue shirt with a red vest. He wore no hat on his head and I know it was because I had taken it. Does he even remember that much? At this point, I really don't care.
"Well, do you want to go fishing for 20 rupees?" He asked me as I dug into my wallet.
"Yeah," I replied. "Here."
I handed him twenty rupees and he calmly looked at them, making sure it was real and the right amount. Putting the money away, he turned around for a rod.
"Ok!" He said. "Listen up!" I know it is his policy to repeat this to every customer but come on, I have the experience so I don't need your speech. "Walk up to the water's edge look at a fish. While looking at a fish, cast your line in!"
"Yeah, yeah, I know." I bobbed my head and rolled my eyes. "Just give me the rod please."
"…" He closed his mouth taken aback. Grinning, he passed the rod over.
"Thank you." I snatched the rod and walked away. At the edge of the pond, I walked around it until I saw the log sticking out from the water not too far in. Swimming there, I sat on the log. I just sat there. I didn't care that I was getting wet, I didn't care that I wasn't fishing. I just sat there.
I watched the fish jump around me as they saw the shine of my lure, I felt them swish the water with their tails as they passed. I listened to the water stream in from the waterfall on the wall. I just enjoyed it all. But still, after a while, everything was numb again.
I threw my line in the water and watched as the fish eyed it. As one snatched on, I let it be. The fish swam and swam but the hook never came out. Feeling sorry, I reeled the fish in and looked at it. The hook pierced its lip. Grasping the fish around its gills, I held tight as I freed the hook and threw it back in.
When the fish splashed, I noticed something move on the bottom. It looked like a bag, but I knew it wasn't. Looking closer, I noticed that it was a hat. I grinned, looking over at the fisherman. He scratched his armpit and felt his head, trying to fix his hat.
Biting my lip, I hit the log with my fist before placing the rod down and slipping into the water. Treading water for a minute, readying myself, I took a deep breath and dove down. Underneath, I opened my eyes and watched as the fish swam away. I kicked and kicked, moving to the bottom. Grabbing the hat, I stayed down for a moment before kicking at the ground and shooting up.
Breathing fresh air, I grabbed the rod and trudged out of the water, soaking wet. Making my way around to the desk, I slapped the rod and hat down and turned to leave.
"Hey!" I heard him shout at me. "Come back when you get older, won't you?"
I rolled my eyes and sighed, but refrained from saying something. Just before opening the door to leave, he spoke up again.
"Wait…" I turned to face him as he picked up the hat and shook the water out. "Is this my hat?"
"Seems it, doesn't it?" I shrugged.
"Why return it?" The fisherman turned to hang the hat on a hook behind him.
"It's the least I could do since I took it." I watched the hat drip.
"That's right, you did, didn't you!" He smiles and I looked at him carefully, wanting to know if he knew more or if he was agreeing with me.
"Yeah, well, now you have it, so bye." I turned to leave again.
"Wait!" He called and I sucked in my lips. "I'm just a lonely fisherman, so I can see how I am misjudging, but you seem troubled young boy. Too troubled for a boy of what – ten?"
"It's nothing of your concern." I shook my head. "I just need an escape, and fishing hasn't helped."
"Why don't you talk about it, ya?" He scratched, pushing the rod towards me. "I'll even fish with you. This one's on the house."
"No thanks." I shook and the fisherman put away the rod. "I just need to leave."
"Alright." The fisherman nodded towards be before turning around to grab some fish food. I watched as he twist the top open and sprinkle some pebbled into the tank on the counter. As the fish nipped at the food, I slid out of the door and admired Lake Hylia.
Nothing here can bring me comfort, I have to learn to accept it. Losing all I had, I cannot live here no longer. My best friend is a sage, Navi has abandoned me, and Zelda forgot me. I know I've done well for these lands, but these lands have done nothing for me. The only one who understands me right now is Epona, and she can't even understand my words. I just need to leave. I need to leave. I think I might be ready.
