I assumed I was simply going fishing with an elderly man I had met by coincidence, but months later, I received a letter that would change my life forever and give me a gift that would make my dreams come true.

I convinced myself that living in an outdated trailer wasn’t as horrible as it seemed. Mom and I were alone. Since Dad departed when I was six years old, we have been living alone. To be honest, I don’t really remember him, but Mom never talks about him. We don’t discuss it.

“Can you get the mail, Adam?” From the couch, Mom would shout. She winced every time she moved, and her legs were frequently propped up on pillows.

She’d been in a car accident years ago, and her limp made standing or walking for long periods difficult. Still, she worked long shifts at the gas station just to keep us afloat. “Sure, Mom,” I would reply grabbing my coat. I didn’t mind doing the little things to help. It made me feel like I was making a difference, even if it was just fetching mail or fixing dinner.Most days after school, I would find something to do outside the trailer—anything to take my mind off things.

But little did I know that at the age of 13, my life would change. That day, I was tossing an old, deflated soccer ball at some bottles I’d set up like bowling pins. It wasn’t much, but it helped pass the time. Then, out of nowhere, this shiny black SUV rolled up next to the trailer.

I gazed at the tinted windows for a moment, wondering why anyone would visit this place wearing such a fine outfit.This elderly man, who was most likely in his 70s or 80s, leaned on a cane and smiled warmly as the door creaked open. He gestured. He said, “Hey there,” and approached gently. Would you mind if I took a shot? He gestured toward the bottles I had arranged in a line. I blinked. “Yeah, I suppose,” I replied, unsure of how to interpret him. He laughed. Let’s make it interesting, I’ll tell you. I’ll ask you for a favor if I am struck, and you won’t be able to refuse. But if I miss, I’ll hand you a hundred bucks. Deal?”

I felt like my eyes were popping out of my skull. One hundred dollars? In my mind, I could practically hear the register ringing. “Agree,” I answered hastily.Leaning down, the man picked up the deflated ball and flung it with a flick of his wrist. All the bottles were knocked down when the object rolled right into them. My mouth fell open as I stood there. No. The elderly man chuckled, obviously enjoying himself. “It appears that I prevailed,” he said. “For that favor now.”

With curiosity, I swallowed. “What are you expecting me to do?” As if it were the most normal thing in the world, he added, “Come fishing with me tomorrow at the old pond.””Going fishing?” I gave my head a scratch. Was that it? It seemed like an odd request, yet it wasn’t nearly as horrible as I had anticipated. “Well, I suppose. I’ll just ask my mother.He nodded and grinned.