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

helplessness. "Hit sbad winds, son.

pinching pennies now, his

reaching Abner, Jackson remembered the man

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

patted Tobias’ head, a

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

the fish in

it getting harder

trouble with international waters. Pirates, even. Used to be we'd haul in hundreds

Not so much these days.

they couldn't rely

looked even

with the

to worry and tousled

sell the shirt off my back

chatted, they headed

biggest fish

these fish won't cover your fees,

and

sky overhead a stark contrast

would be arriving soon, and he'd

was jolted by

what happened to your

swing

the mention of Queena, Tobias clammed

he let on, his leg swollen, but he

heading over to the Temples. Heard Mr. Temple passed.

lip, unable

Temples' house was visible from theirs, lights blazing, a crowd gathered

stayed for dinner, watching Tobias peer out for his

PM, Jackson

head out, when Abner

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

that look of admiration to Tobias' face; he

I'm kinda scared of Queena

Abner raised an