Dr. Merl lived way out in the mountains and this area was something Arty was definitely not used to. It was strange to Arty that he would be so far from a town requiring his patients to drive this far. His mother had been right though and Dr. Merl had befriended Arty quickly. Very few sessions had passed before Merl told Arty that he was a surpisingly accepting man and that he did not believe Arty suffered any immediate concerns. The two would often go on hikes and Merl would preach the importance of Meditation saying it was the way to inner acceptance. "You could do that, or you could do like me." The old man would say with a grin just before he would start talking to the plants around him. "I think you may need the therapy Dr. Merl." Arthur would joke. Arty had always loved nature and loved to learn about all its gifts. Dr. Merl would teach him as the went but still rambled on as was expected by now. "All im saying boy is that sometimes you just need to talk. Walk ourselves through our problems and address them accordingly." He reached out and stroked a leaf hanging from a tree. "Some people meditate but me, i talk to plants." And he would smile that goofy smile through his salt and pepper beard. Dr. Merl looked more like a mountain man than he did a therapist.

The road was curvy but the breeze was nice this high up. He could see a great many things from up here including his own home at certain angles. It was about noon when he arrived to Dr. Merls home. "Late again, the old man will let me hear it this time for sure." he thought to himself. Just as he exited the car the door to Dr. Merls house flew open. "You're late boy!" he shouted dragging out a large box and some fishing poles. "Dang fish dont hang around all day!" He chuckled and waddled down the steps. "Well grab that tackle box and let's go!" Arty looked down at his feet to realize he had left his slippers on. "Hey, you have any boots i could borrow?" The old man paused and looked at Arty. "You know better than to be unprepared in my woods. Grab that box and let's get going." 

The day had passed and Arty and Merl had began their walk back home. Arty had imagined that he would've had his first fishing trip with his father but instead he was doing it with his therapist. Arty's dad had gone missing just after his birth. He was a marine and had went M.I.A. nearly twenty two years ago. "Something wrong?" Merl asked Arty who had apparently looked saddended. "Ah it's nothing." Arty spoke. "Listen i may be old but im still a damn Therapist. You're thinking about something, so what is it?" Arty looked out across the valley and spoke his mind. "Do you think my father could still be out there?" Dr. MErl simply smiled and looked out towards the horizon. "I hope so Arty, I hope so."