“What’s this?” he said under his br

“What’s this?” he said under his breath, surprised. He was just about to stoop down to pick it up, when suddenly the area around him grew dark. Off in the distance, the young man approached, framed by the rising sun. He wore a long scholar’s gown, and emanated an archaic air. He walked up silently, approaching the fisherman. He reached down and picked up the bottle.

“Senior, this belongs to me,” said the young man, his voice soft. He walked off toward the horizon, carrying the gourd bottle with him. Eventually, he opened the bottle and removed the contents. He had placed this small slip of paper inside years ago.