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.

helplessness. "Hit

be pinching pennies now,

Jackson remembered the man they'd

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

patted Tobias’ head, a gesture

dragged you

the fish

is it getting harder to

with international waters. Pirates, even. Used to be we'd haul in hundreds

so much these days. Might be

they couldn't rely

looked even more

with the school

didn't want his son to worry and tousled

off my back

they chatted, they headed

fish for Tobias

sir needs the protein, still recovering. And these fish

and set to

the clear blue sky overhead a

be arriving

was jolted by

happened to your

I'll swing by

mention of Queena,

than he let on, his

the fish cooked. I'm heading over to the Temples. Heard Mr. Temple passed. It's only right to lend

his lip, unable

was visible from theirs, lights blazing,

for dinner, watching Tobias peer

PM, Jackson

frantic, about to head out,

caught up at the Temples. Nothing to worry about. And if he was hurt bad, Queena's there. She's

look of admiration to

I'm kinda scared of

raised