It was a rather humid and sticky July day, which is normal here in the heart of the Louisiana bayou. The sunlight shimmered, streaming through the lush greenery of the large trees that shaded us. Every year our family gathered here on this grassy bank to enjoy each other’s company.
We would barbecue chicken and ribs. A bubbling pot of Granny’s jambalaya was always simmering, tempting us with its spicy smell. The zydeco music seemed to float on the waves lapping at the shore, but the laughter of the children playing could be heard above the rhythmic music.
The occasional flash from a camera and the CD player were the only reminders of civilization and modern conveniences. Otherwise, it would look like any number of days that our Cajun ancestors had spent here on this very bank, celebrating the magic of summer.
Perhaps that is why it happened on this particular day. Looking back on that summer day, I now realize that the love we felt for each other could be seen plainly on our faces. Could that explain why we were visited that afternoon?
I grew very still for a moment, wondering what had caused such a sudden gust of wind. A chill went up my spine, and soon I was covered from head to toe with goosebumps. Since there were no storms in the forecast, it was rather odd to have such a forceful gale-force wind. The sudden burst of cool air chilled the hot, muggy air almost instantly. It did seem strange that the sun suddenly sought protection beneath a cloud.
There was a peculiar odor that accompanied this strange wind also. It was the smell of fish. A few of us walked over to the shoreline yet couldn’t see a reason for the sudden pungent smell of fish. Some of us even leaned close to the water, sniffing the air. No, the smell was definitely much stronger near the grassy area directly behind the shore, where the picnic tables were sitting.
I could tell that many of us were getting worried. Everyone looked as if they had seen a ghost. Chatter could be heard of legends and folklore, many stories of creatures and goblins that were rumored to walk the banks of the bayou. A few people thought that perhaps the lone fisherman was visiting us.