Inspired by Eugène Boudin (1824 – 1898) – Boat on a stream in Holland (around 1875 – 1880) – Lead pencil / Watercolour on white paper – 8,97 x 10,39 inch

Promises made must be promises kept. Louis promised his grandson Yoann to go out fishing if he passed to college with good marks. The results exceeded the target, which thrilled the whole family. But fishing on the high seas is dangerous. Perhaps, Louis shouldn’t have … But it’s too late now. Yoann arrived yesterday by train, frantic. He has hardly touched the yummy dinner cooked by his grandmother. Though hamburger with french fries is his favorite meal.Four o’clock in the morning, the boy is already in the kitchen, all dressed up, ready to board. Louis takes the time to have a cup of coffee and brings a cooler filled to the brim.

It’s a small boat but sailed by an experienced captain, it is exceptional of foolhardiness and effectiveness. Yoann sits next to his grandfather, highly impressed. Usually so talkative, he doesn’t open his mouth, not wanting to disturb the old man. They sailed for two full hours before anchoring the sea letting themselves gently rocked by the roll of the great lady. Louis prepares the lines one by one, and throws the groundbaits. Yoann is waiting. Suddenly, without even noticing it, he finds himself with a fishing rod in his hands and a plug which, instantly and repeatedly, dives into the icy water. He questions his favorite grandfather. Louis gets the line back, jerks and takes a magnificent mackerel out of the water. God knows they’re both proud. First catch and it’s on the kid!

By the end of the morning, their net is full. Louis begins to empty and clean up the fish. Focused on this specific task, he doesn’t notice the two fins heading towards the boat. Attracted by the rubbish thrown overboard, now two starving sharks swim around the boat. Warned by Yoann’s screams, Louis puts an end to his job right away, lifts the anchor up as quickly as the strength of his arms allows him, does his best to assure his grandson, and starts a dangerous but needed race against the clock, .

The two folks are still following them. To fill their needs, Yoann gets rid of their miraculous catch!