Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 37
The wind was blowing stronger than usual as Karlos reached the beach. The waves were taller and more powerful, crashing against the shore like walls of water. It was indeed fortunate he hadn't gone fishing today, he knew his boat couldn't handle such waves without risking capsizing or serious damage.
He looked around and saw other fishermen watching the waves clash against the sand, retreat, then surge forward again, repeating the cycle like nature's steady heartbeat.
Some fishermen were pushing their boats farther from the beach, working quickly so they wouldn't get caught by the creeping waves.
Thankfully, Karlos's small bangka was chained securely to a coconut tree. Even if the rain and wind intensified, he didn't have to worry because his boat was well out of the wave zone.
"Hey, Karlos, mind giving us a hand? We can't carry this boat with just three people."
Antonio, the owner of a mid-size trawling boat, waved him over.
"Alright. Let's make it quick, my wife's expecting me back before the rain gets worse."
He grabbed hold of the outrigger. Together, the four men carried the boat far from the shore to prevent the waves from smashing it against the sand or rocks. A boat left on the shoreline could be destroyed by waves, and repairing one could take weeks, a loss no fisherman could afford. That's why they always moved their boats far from the beach during rough weather.
For larger boats that couldn't be carried, fishermen would take them to a protected harbor, bay, or typhoon shelter and secure them with thick ropes.
North of town was a crescent-shaped bay, shielded by land, where large vessels anchored safely even during storms. This natural shelter was one reason their town's fish port could handle big fishing vessels, they had the natural infrastructure to let them stay and unload their catch safely.
Judging from the rain and the waves, today wasn't bad enough to send the boat owners rushing to the bay, but it was always better to be safe than sorry.
"Today's the perfect time for a drink," Antonio joked with a grin. "It's cold, and nothing warms the stomach better than alcohol." His two workers laughed and nodded.
Even Karlos agreed, just the thought of a cold beer made him salivate.
"How about it, Karlos? Want to drink with us? I've got a whole case of gin at my place, probably twelve bottles, all unopened."
"Gin? Nah, I'm a beer guy. Gin's too strong, burns going down, and leaves my throat dry. If it were rum or brandy, maybe I'd join you."
Karlos had sworn off gin years ago after a bad hangover.
"I'll invite you next time if I get something better," Antonio chuckled. Truth be told, the gin had been sitting untouched for months, he didn't like it either.
After helping Antonio, Karlos returned home but paused at the doorway, as if debating something.
"Why aren't you coming in?" Maya asked, spotting him from inside.
"Babe…" Karlos licked his lips, unsure how to ask for a beer without sounding irresponsible.
"What?" Maya prompted.
"Don't stand out there, you'll get sick. Come in."
"Babe…" He scratched the back of his head, still hesitating.
"For Goddess' sake, just say what you want."
"Can I buy a bottle of beer?"
"Karlos, really? The rain's getting stronger and all you can think about is getting drunk like it's a holiday?" Maya's voice was sharp.
"I mean… I've got nothing to do anyway. Might as well enjoy a beer while listening to the rain."
"Enjoy my ass!"
"I'd love to enjoy your ass." Karlos smirked. They usually did that kind of "eating" at night, when the kids were asleep.
"You…!" Maya gritted her teeth and let out a long sigh.
Karlos waited, giving her a sweet, puppy-eyed look.
"Fine. Only one bottle. And buy bread from the bakery, bread's good with coffee."
Maya dug into her pocket and handed him 50 pesos. Karlos kissed the back of her hand when he took the money, a small act of love that still made her cheeks warm, even if she knew he was doing it for beer. She rolled her eyes anyway.
Karlos walked down the street, bought a cold beer, and picked up six pieces of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven.
When he returned, he wasted no time. He cracked open the bottle with his teeth in one swift motion and took a long gulp, exhaling in satisfaction as the bitter taste spread across his tongue.
Maya shook her head, watching her husband enjoy the beer like it was the rarest treasure in the world.
"Ma!"
The twins tugged at her clothes, asking for bread in their tiny voices. She gave them small pieces, enough for them to nibble without choking. Soon, Arabella and Iñigo were covered in crumbs, cheeks dotted with sticky bits of bread, and jackets smeared with saliva.
Maya sighed at the mess, wiping their faces and cleaning their jackets.
An hour later, Karlos smacked his lips, savoring the aftertaste of his drink. He turned to Maya, who was soaking bread in her coffee.
"Wife, can I—"
"Don't even think about it." She shot him a cold glare.
"I wasn't even finished talking."
"I know what you're about to ask. And no, I'm not giving you money for another beer."
"I was actually thinking about enjoying your ass… but I wouldn't say no to another beer either."
"..."
Maya was speechless.
"Let's talk about it later," she muttered.