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.

glanced around. "Only

a picture of helplessness. "Hit sbad

they'd be pinching pennies now, his face

the man they'd hauled in from

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

Tobias’ head, a gesture

when we dragged you

sighed at the

is it getting

son. Fishing bans in our usual spots, trouble with international

so much these days. Might be the

changing; they couldn't rely solely

even more

luck with the school

to worry

I would sell the shirt off my back to keep you

they chatted, they headed

fish

fish won't cover your fees,

nodded and

from outside, the clear blue sky overhead

people would be arriving soon, and he'd

he was jolted by Tobias'

happened to your hand? Why's

a scratch. I'll swing by

of Queena, Tobias

on, his leg swollen,

to the Temples. Heard Mr. Temple

bit his lip, unable

house was visible from theirs, lights blazing,

dinner, watching Tobias peer out

c11 PM,

about to head out,

worry about. And if

that look of

I'm kinda scared of

raised