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.

a picture of helplessness. "Hit sbad winds,

be pinching pennies now,

Jackson remembered the man they'd hauled in from the

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

patted Tobias’ head, a gesture of simple

dragged you out of the water, thought you were a

the fish

it getting harder to catch

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

much these days.

couldn't rely solely on

looked even

luck with the school

his son to

would sell the shirt off my back to

they chatted, they

chose the biggest fish for Tobias to

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

nodded and set

clear blue sky overhead a stark contrast to the

would be arriving soon, and

in thought, he was jolted by Tobias' alarmed

to your hand? Why's

scratch. I'll swing by Queena's for

of Queena,

was hurt more than he let on, his leg swollen, but he didn't

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

bit his lip, unable

house was visible from theirs, lights blazing, a crowd gathered even

watching Tobias

PM, Jackson

head out,

Nothing to worry about. And if he was hurt bad, Queena's there. She's

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

scared

raised