Rehobch lived a quiet, thoughtful life on Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, where the salt air cleared his mind and the ocean kept his thoughts deep. He was a sharp man, fond of puzzles and peace, and his closest companions were a rascally crew of Red Herrings—clever, slippery friends who loved a good distraction and an even better adventure.
One breezy morning, while Rehobch was lost in thought over a crossword on the boardwalk, the Red Herrings slipped away without a word. They had hatched a plan to explore the wide, curious world beyond Delaware. Their destination? Ohio.
The group of fish consisted of Anvi, Thanh, Utwig, Anvi II, Mason, Trippi Troppi. They typically travelled in groups of 3, with Anvi 1 and Anvi 2 being the independent group leaders.
First, they swam their way inland through Maryland, where they paused to startle some ducks and mislead a few tourists. In Pennsylvania, they detoured into a historical reenactment, pretending to be part of the Revolutionary War fish supply chain. Then it was through the winding hills of West Virginia, where they spent a misty night whispering fishy ghost stories beneath a bridge.
By the time they reached Ohio, the Red Herrings had gathered stories, stirred confusion, and laughed themselves silly. They hadn’t told Rehobch where they were going—not out of secrecy, but because surprises were the only thing they didn’t overthink.
Back in Rehoboth, Rehobch looked out at the waves and smiled. “Feels quieter than usual,” he said to himself. “I wonder what those fish are up to.”
Somewhere far inland, the Red Herrings were plotting their next detour—with love, mischief, and just a hint of mystery.