Short Story Series "Saru River Traffic" ②

② Reunion with the River

The next morning, Harato woke up before dawn. His habit of waking up early was something he had acquired from many years of experience at construction sites. After finishing a simple breakfast, he had the landlady make him some rice balls, shouldered his fishing gear, and left the inn.
It takes about fifteen minutes by car along a forest road to reach the mountain stream point near the foot of Mount Poroshiri in the upper reaches of the Saru River. The forest, wrapped in morning mist, was fantastical, and all that could be heard was the chirping of birds and the murmuring of the river echoing in the distance.
"This place really is great."
Harato muttered as he got out of the car and took a deep breath. It couldn't be compared to the polluted air of Tokyo. The scent of the pure forest filled his lungs. The smell of conifer resin, the scent of damp moss, and the faintly perceptible fragrance of flowers. The richness of nature, which could never be experienced in city life, was there.
Upon arriving at his target point, Harato began his preparations with practiced hands. His skills from fifteen years of mountain stream fishing had not faded. He tied the fly, adjusted the line, and checked the feel of the rod. This series of movements brought him a meditative effect.
The river is about ten meters wide at its widest point. Rocks are scattered on both banks, and the clear stream flows between them as if dancing. The water has high transparency, and the stones on the riverbed are clearly visible. Occasionally, the shadows of fish could be seen shimmering.
He made his first cast toward the upper reaches of the river. The fly landed quietly on the water's surface and headed downstream, riding the current. This moment of concentration was the most valuable time for Harato.
In the morning, he caught a few small yamame trout. Although they were small, he fully enjoyed their beautiful patterns, unique to wild fish, and the strength of their pull. While eating his rice ball lunch, Harato felt a sense of fulfillment from the bottom of his heart for the first time in a long while.
However, that peaceful time would suddenly come to an end.