You're A Natural- Clint pt 1

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The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the dew-covered grass of the field. I stood there, feeling the cool morning air on my face, waiting with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today was the day Clint was going to teach me how to shoot a bow.

Clint, a seasoned archer with years of experience, was already at the range, setting up targets. He was a tall man with a rugged demeanor, his dark hair streaked with a bit of gray, a testament to the many years he had spent perfecting his craft. There was something about his quiet confidence that always made me feel at ease.

“Hey there, early bird!” Clint called out, waving me over with a broad smile. “Ready to become an archer?”

I walked over to him, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. “I hope so. I’ve always wanted to learn, but I’ve never actually tried it before.”

Clint chuckled, handing me a bow. “Don’t worry about a thing. Everyone starts somewhere. The important part is to relax and enjoy the process. Here, take this. It’s a recurve bow—good for beginners.”

I took the bow, feeling its weight in my hands. It was lighter than I expected but solid, with a smooth wooden finish. Clint handed me an arrow next.

“First things first,” Clint said, positioning himself beside me. “Let’s go over the basics. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the target. Like this.” He demonstrated the stance, and I mimicked his movements.

“Good,” he said, nodding approvingly. “Now, nock the arrow. Place the arrow on the rest, and snap the nock onto the string.” I did as he instructed, the movements feeling awkward but manageable.

“Alright, draw the bowstring back to the corner of your mouth. Anchor it there. You want to use your back muscles more than your arms.” He stepped behind me, gently guiding my arm back and adjusting my posture. His touch was firm yet gentle, sending a slight shiver down my spine. “And aim. Focus on the target, relax your fingers, and let go.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, and released the string. The arrow flew forward, missing the target entirely and landing somewhere in the grass. I frowned, disappointed.

Clint laughed softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Don’t worry about that. The first shot is always the hardest. It’s all about getting a feel for it. Let’s try again.”

We repeated the process, and with each shot, I could feel myself improving. Clint’s instructions were clear and patient, and his confidence in my ability helped me relax. After a few more attempts, I started hitting the target, if only just barely.

“There you go!” Clint exclaimed as my arrow hit the edge of the target. “You’re getting the hang of it!”

I grinned, feeling a surge of pride. “This is actually really fun.”

“Of course it is,” Clint said, smiling. “Archery is all about precision and patience. It’s a mental game as much as it is physical. Now, let’s work on your form a bit more.”

We spent the next hour refining my technique. Clint had a keen eye for detail, pointing out small adjustments that made a big difference in my accuracy. He explained the importance of consistent anchor points, smooth releases, and steady breathing.

“Remember,” he said, demonstrating a perfect shot, “archery is about finding your rhythm. Once you get into that flow, it becomes second nature.”

I watched him, mesmerized by the fluidity of his movements. When I tried again, something clicked. I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I drew the bowstring, aimed, and released. The arrow flew straight and true, hitting the target near the center.

“Wow!” I exclaimed, unable to hide my excitement. “Did you see that?”

Clint’s eyes sparkled with pride. “I did! You’ve got a natural talent, my friend. That was a perfect shot.”

We continued practicing, and with each shot, I grew more confident. Clint’s guidance was invaluable, his encouragement constant. By the time the sun was high in the sky, I was consistently hitting the target, even landing a few arrows near the bullseye.

“You’ve done amazing today,” Clint said, clapping me on the back. “I’ve taught a lot of people, but it’s rare to see someone pick it up as quickly as you have.”

I blushed, feeling a mixture of pride and humility. “I couldn’t have done it without your help, Clint. You’re a great teacher.”

He chuckled, a warm sound that made my heart flutter. “Well, you’ve got a natural talent, and a great attitude. Keep practicing, and who knows? You might just become a master archer one day.”

As we packed up the equipment, I couldn’t stop smiling. What had started as a simple interest had turned into a passion, thanks to Clint’s expert instruction and encouragement. I knew I had a lot to learn, but I was excited for the journey ahead.

“Same time next week?” Clint asked, slinging his quiver over his shoulder.

“Absolutely,” I replied, already looking forward to our next session. “I can’t wait!"

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