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

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

they'd be pinching pennies now, his face

Jackson remembered the man they'd

"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 a

at the fish in Jackson's

it getting harder

usual spots, trouble with international waters. Pirates,

so much these

were changing; they couldn't rely

looked even

with the school

didn't want his son to worry and tousled

would sell the shirt off my back to

chatted, they headed

the biggest fish for

needs the protein, still recovering. And these fish won't

and set to

from outside, the clear blue sky overhead a stark contrast to the sea's

would be arriving soon,

he was jolted by Tobias'

happened to your hand? Why's it

a scratch. I'll swing by Queena's for

of Queena,

he let on, his leg swollen,

get the fish cooked. I'm heading over to the Temples. Heard Mr. Temple passed. It's only right to lend

lip, unable

was visible from theirs, lights blazing, a crowd gathered

watching Tobias peer out for his

PM, Jackson

about to head out, when Abner

to worry about. And if

look of admiration to Tobias' face; he sat

kinda scared of Queena

raised an eyebrow,