Dear Ex-wife Marry Me by Twin Bridge

"I'm off to meet my dad, his boat's docked," Tobias stammered, his eyes darting away, clearly hiding something.

But in this backwater town, what secrets could he keep?

Abner walked on without a word, Tobias trailing behind him, lost in thought and tripping over his own feet.

It was a nasty fall; blood gushed from his nose.

Abner helped him up. "You should head back and have Queena take a look."

At the mention of Queena, Tobias clutched his nose as if stung.

"No need, no need, it's just a scratch. I'll be fine, really."

Strange, considering how much Tobias usually adored Queena, his reaction now was anything but normal.

Even a guy as simple as Abner could see something was up.

But he said nothing, just pulled Tobias to his feet, and they ambled toward his house.

The boats coming in was usually the highlight of the day, but since both families had recently lost someone, the crowd was sparse.

Abner tagged along to the shore. Tobias seemed out of it, but he perked up at the sight of the approaching fishing boat, hopping

excitedly on the dock.

Soon enough, the boat landed. But thanks to a harsh wind, the catch was meager; six crewmen brought in just two buckets of fish.

Fishing was always a gamble. A good haul could set you up for the year.

A bad one meant tightening your belt.

Tobias spotted his dad, looking grim, and called out.

"Dad! Over here! Over here!"

The man, Jackson, tanned and weathered from the sea, didn't look happy with just two buckets of fish. His share, five fish, wouldn't

cover much, let alone school fees.

"Tobias."

Jackson called out, holding up the fish as he approached.

around. "Only five,

a picture of helplessness. "Hit

knew they'd be pinching pennies

reaching Abner, Jackson remembered the man they'd hauled

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

Tobias’ head, a gesture of simple

all scared witless when we dragged you out of the water, thought you were a

at the

is it getting harder to catch

Fishing bans in our usual spots, trouble with international waters. Pirates, even. Used

no problem. Not so much these days. Might

couldn't rely

looked even

luck with the school

to

fret. I would sell the shirt off my

they chatted,

fish for Tobias to

sir needs the protein, still recovering. And these fish won't cover your fees, so no

and

the clear blue sky overhead

arriving soon, and

was jolted by

your

I'll swing by

of Queena, Tobias

on, his leg swollen, but he

to the Temples. Heard Mr.

lip, unable to

visible from theirs, lights blazing, a crowd gathered even late into

watching Tobias peer out

PM, Jackson

head out,

the Temples. Nothing to worry about. And if he was

no longer brought that look of admiration to Tobias' face;

I'm kinda scared of Queena

Abner raised