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.

face was a picture of helplessness. "Hit

they'd be pinching pennies

Abner, Jackson remembered the man they'd hauled in from

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

Tobias’ head, a gesture of

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

sighed at the fish in

is it getting harder

international waters. Pirates, even. Used to be

much

they couldn't rely solely on the

looked even

with the school

didn't want his son to

off my

chatted,

the biggest fish for Tobias

protein, still recovering. And these fish won't cover your fees, so

and set

outside, the clear blue sky overhead a stark contrast to the sea's

arriving soon, and he'd leave

he was jolted by Tobias' alarmed

what happened to your hand?

scratch. I'll swing by Queena's for

mention of Queena, Tobias clammed

he let on, his leg swollen, but he didn't

Temples. Heard Mr. Temple passed. It's only

his lip, unable

lights blazing, a crowd gathered

stayed for dinner, watching Tobias

PM, Jackson

about to head out, when Abner

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

of admiration to

scared

Abner raised