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,

a picture of helplessness. "Hit sbad winds, son. Let's

knew they'd be pinching

remembered the man they'd hauled

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

head, a gesture

we dragged you

the fish

getting harder

spots, trouble with international

so much these

changing; they couldn't

looked even

luck with

to worry

off my

chatted,

chose the biggest fish for

recovering. And these fish won't cover your fees, so no

nodded and set

listened from outside, the clear blue sky overhead a stark

be arriving soon, and he'd leave

thought, he was jolted

what happened to your hand? Why's

scratch. I'll swing by Queena's

the mention of Queena,

his leg swollen,

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

bit his lip,

was visible from theirs, lights blazing, a crowd gathered even late into

for dinner, watching Tobias peer out

PM, Jackson

to head out, when Abner

about. And if he was hurt bad, Queena's there. She's got

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

scared of Queena

Abner raised an eyebrow,