He set the bucket close by the river edge, wanting to be able to slide the fish back into the water without harm.

"Well, this is it," he said. "You okay?"

The fish slowly waved his tail. His fins were moving just enough to keep the flow going to survive.

"Hey, fish. You okay? You're going back home."

"I'm okay. Just let me rest a second. That bucket ride wasn't easy."

"You ready?"

"Yes. Hey, thanks."

"You're welcome." He lifted the bucket, tipped it gently to the river, and the fish slid in, hesitated, then swam away.