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,

face was a picture of helplessness. "Hit sbad winds, son.

knew they'd be pinching

Abner, Jackson remembered the man they'd hauled in

"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

sighed at the fish in Jackson's

getting harder to catch

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

no problem. Not so much these

were changing; they couldn't rely

looked even

luck with the

didn't want his son to worry and tousled his

sell the shirt off my back to keep you in

they chatted, they headed

biggest fish for Tobias

these fish won't cover your fees, so no need to be

nodded and set

listened from outside, the clear blue sky overhead a stark contrast to the

own people would be arriving soon, and he'd leave

he was jolted by Tobias'

to your hand? Why's it

swing

mention of Queena, Tobias clammed

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

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

bit his lip, unable

blazing, a

for dinner, watching Tobias peer out

PM, Jackson

was frantic, about to head out,

Nothing to worry about. And if

that look of admiration to

I'm kinda scared

Abner raised