This short writing has won 20,000 dollars from ATT. The details of the award maybe obtained from Heidi Nguyen.

Two Kayaks A Fishing Line, and The Cut

Who would have thought two kayaks, a fishing line, and the Cut could be so romantic? Held wouldn't have, but her true love had a vision.

It was the hottest day of the summer. The intense heat pounded Heidi and Chuwn as they paddled across the rippling waters of Portage Bay towards the Montlake Cut. Graffiti bordered both sides of the Cut, colorful inscriptions exhibiting Husky pride and spirit. These did nothing to boost Heidi's fading energy, but Chuwn seemed to beam with determination and optimism, encouraging her onward.

The two kayaks slid into the cool shadows beneath the bridge amidst a faint melody echoing in the distance. As they emerged past the bridge's shadow, the kayaks stopped together. Clinging to the waterline at their right, the waters pounded the graffiti, "HEIDI, WILL YOU MARRY ME?"

Heidi sat in disbelief. A long moment passed, then tears flowed from her eyes as Chuwn slowly balanced himself on one knee in his kayak. His outstretched hand held a shimmering diamond ring secured with a fishing line to a safety pin in his pocket. With hope in his eyes, Chuwn proposed simply, "Will you marry me?"

"Omigosh, yes" Heidi responded tearfully.

Heart-rending notes filled the air as Heidi finally notices a single tuxedo-clad violinist serenading them from his perch above. Massenet's "Meditation de Thais," she recognized. It was her favorite song.

Passing boaters cheered and snapped pictures for the couple, their kayaks side bi side and swaying in unison to the Cut's shifting waves. Then the kayaks moved forward again. Two synchronized reeds starting slowly through the chop, and then slicing quickly into the smooth open water and beyond.