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

was a picture of helplessness.

knew they'd be pinching

remembered the man they'd hauled in from the

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

patted Tobias’ head, a gesture of simple

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

the fish in

is it getting harder

with international waters.

so much these days.

couldn't rely solely on

looked even

with the school

want his son to worry and

the shirt off my back to keep you

chatted, they

the biggest fish for

protein, still recovering. And these fish won't cover your fees, so no need to

nodded and

clear blue sky overhead a stark

own people would be arriving soon, and he'd

thought, he was

what happened to your hand?

a scratch. I'll swing

of Queena, Tobias

on, his leg swollen, but

the Temples. Heard Mr.

bit his lip, unable

house was visible from theirs, lights blazing,

stayed for dinner, watching Tobias peer out for his

PM, Jackson hadn't

frantic, about to head out, when

to worry about. And if

of admiration to Tobias'

kinda scared of Queena

raised an