The story
The morning catch was small enough to make my previous evening’s boasting a serious problem. I released it before anyone could compare it with the sandwich tin. A pelican watched from the landing with what I considered an unnecessary amount of interest.
Breakfast was already laid out: toast, a thermos and a mug with a chipped rim. I sat beside the boat and tried to describe the fish honestly. The words neat, lively and compact all seemed useful. Giant did not make the final version.
The pelican stole a corner of toast while I was writing. This gave the story a stronger ending and left me with one fewer piece of evidence. I called the episode a success and moved the remaining breakfast further from the edge.
Honesty improves the story; guarding the toast improves breakfast.