Between the Notched Pines

Connor is an obstinate young man whose difficult relationship with his father keeps him away from his family and home. A happy childhood had soured in adolescence as Connor and his father, Walter, engaged in a simmering feud that drove them apart. After years of tension and a violent boiling point the fractured relationship seems destined to continue in a stalemate when Connor's grandfather and true patriarch of the Hennessey family passes away. Connor is then tasked to execute a final request from Grandpa Peter that puts him on a journey home. Pausing his urban workaholic lifestyle proves difficult as hard work was doctrine in the Hennessey house, but ultimately Peter's wish forces him to reassess his values and realize where family should rank. With selfish interests aside, he sets out on an excursion to a remote family fishing camp in Downeast Maine. Guided by the voice of his grandfather, Connor navigates the long drive and recalls the education bestowed upon him. A hike through the woods to the cabin proves to be one of many steps in rekindling Connor's bond with the great outdoors and reuniting him with the sublimity of nature that he once cherished. Working on the camp and fishing the river allow Connor the peace he has been missing. Before nostalgia can fully set in, he encounters his estranged father. A whiskey-tinged rapport takes form as the two try to find amiable ground through stories of Peter and brighter memories. When their best efforts at reconciliation fail, they revert to longstanding anger. Pushing on despite discord they attempt to fish together as they always had but this time it isn't only their grudges that may sink them. Just as the two are about to have it out with each other once and for all they have a chance run-in with a black bear. The startled bear nearly maims Walter before Connor can rescue them both. The healing of new wounds helps heal those of the past and father and son Hennessey bury the hatchet. In a final hidden letter that they read together, Peter reveals his intention to bring them back to each other and to the place between the notched pines.

• | Author: Hunter Nichols
• | Publisher: Goose River Press
• | Publication Date: March 01, 2021
• | Number of Pages: 88 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Paperback
• | ISBN-10: 1597132292
• | ISBN-13: 9781597132299