Chapter 22

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 22

The couple finished their meal and cleaned the plates and the table. Maya rubbed oil on Karlos' shoulders and back in slow soothing motions that relieved the tension in his muscles. He felt the warmth of the rubbing oil spread across his back like a comforting blanket as he lay down.

Unlike yesterday, when Karlos had to get up later to buy groceries, he spent all afternoon resting while listening to the radio. There was nothing to do today except rest and let time pass quietly. He had woken up very early, and he needed to use his free time wisely before another busy day arrived. The best decision was to rest and sleep to prepare his body for the early hours of fishing tomorrow.

A few hours later, he woke up around 4 p.m. next to his wife, who had also taken a nap as her arm across his chest. He rubbed his eyes and noticed that the kids were now making noises in their crib, babbling and kicking their tiny feet.

Now that Arabella and Iñigo were growing, the crib was getting too small to accommodate the two chubby and energetic babies. Perhaps they would have to sleep beside them in a few months or consider getting a bigger crib.

"Should I buy a baby stroller so that they can explore the neighborhood?"

Karlos asked himself in a low mumble. However, he knew that buying just one wouldn't work in the long run. If he only bought one, the twins would fight over it.

Karlos sighed weakly while scratching the back of his head. He realized that having twins was hard. He had to buy two of everything to satisfy both kids and avoid cries and tantrums.

Arabella and Iñigo didn’t know what was going on in Karlos' mind. They were just giggling and playing around like two carefree little angels.

"Well, I love you guys."

Even though he admitted that taking care of twins was hard, he never saw them as a problem or a burden. The twins were the reason Karlos kept moving forward, filled with determination and hope for a better life.

"You’re getting romantic?"

Maya said, opening her eyes, still half-drowsy.

"Yeah, you got eye boogers," Karlos replied, completely ruining the mood.

"..."

Maya wiped her eyes and glared at Karlos as if he had committed a serious crime.

"What? I'm just telling you that you have eye boogers. It’s not that bad."

"I’d appreciate it if you kissed me instead and wiped my eye boogers. You can see where they are better than I can," she muttered in disappointment, a small pout forming on her lips.

"I can do it now if you want to."

"It’s fine. You destroyed the atmosphere—"

Karlos kissed her cheek, and Maya stopped talking. Her eyes softening slightly.

"I'll try doing that tomorrow. How about it?" He had a cheeky smile, having just come up with a great romantic gesture.

The fact that they were acting romantic while talking about picking eye boogers was quite stupid yet somehow sweet.

Maya laughed and stood up, brushing her hair behind her ears.

"Help me with cooking dinner. I bought a slice of yellowfin tuna earlier. We can stew it."

"You bought a slice?"

For the record, yellowfin tuna was a huge fish, and a single slice could weigh about a kilo depending on where it was cut. It was enough to feed a family of four with some leftovers for the next meal.

Karlos started the fire using dry twigs while Maya went to their small garden at the back of the house and picked some vegetables, such as okra, eggplants, and tomatoes.

"Babe, how about we get a few chickens for their eggs?"

Maya asked while washing the vegetables as Karlos cooked the yellowfin tuna.

"I'm cool with that. I'll ask Andres and my friends if they can get me some hens. I wonder how much it’ll cost to buy a hen."

"Probably not that expensive."

"I guess I have another job to do. I have to build a small chicken coop to house two or three hens. The kids need more variety in their food, and fresh eggs are always good."

Maya nodded in agreement.

Once the dish was done, the couple ate their dinner side by side. There was no point in wasting time when the food was still warm and fragrant. Their meal consisted of rice, yellowfin tuna stew, and a fish sauce sautéed with tomatoes.

When the sun disappeared and darkness covered the sky, the couple decided to rest under the familiar nipa roof... Of course, they did the horizontal monster smash before sleeping.

Being a healthy couple who were in love and lusted after each other’s bodies, they did the deed almost every day, unless it was Maya’s red days.

"I've been thinking about it. Should we create a savings account for the kids? They need money for their education, especially college," Karlos said while looking at the ceiling in the dark, his mind filled with responsibilities.

"The kids are not even a year old and you’re already thinking about their college funds?" Maya giggled and poked his side playfully. She found it funny that Karlos was already thinking that far ahead.

"Of course. I want them to live a good life without worrying too much about money when they grow up."

"If you're serious about that, we can visit the bank on Sunday and open a savings account for both kids. How about 4,000 pesos every month? We still have at least 18 years to save money."

Maya had no problem saving money for the kids. In fact, she found it admirable that Karlos wanted to start saving so early and with such careful thought.

"It’s settled then."

They already had a bank account under Maya’s name, but their money had been tight these past few months due to expenses and the unexpected costs of raising twins. As for why the bank account was under Maya's name, this was how it usually worked in their country. Women managed the household finances. The wife controlled the expenses and ensured that the budget stayed intact.

"Babe," Maya cuddled closer to Karlos, their skin and sweat touching from their earlier activity.

"I love you, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and the kids. I want to tell you that I’m always here to support you, and the kids are happy that you’re their father. We are proud of you more than words can say."

"..."

Karlos couldn’t help but tear up a little as his heart swelled with emotion. He grinned and kissed Maya with tenderness.

"I’m happy that I met you. I’m happy that I’m Arabella and Iñigo’s father."

His determination to give his family a better life burned brighter than ever, like a fire rekindled with purpose. If he had to wake up in the middle of the night to start fishing, Karlos would gladly do it. If he had to face the ocean to make money, Karlos would do it, no matter how dangerous or difficult.

His family was his reason for living, and every sacrifice was worth it. The happiness he found in having a wife and two children who looked up to him made him stronger than he ever thought possible. He felt like he could do anything for his family.

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[Author's Note: I've reached the first major point of this novel and set up the tone. So I just want to hear your opinion about it. Are you satisfied with the childcaring scenes? Do you want more scenes about fishing? These two are the themes that I want to focus on in this novel. Family and fishing. Also, I just want to say thank you guys for all of your support. Please keep commenting because that motivates me a lot.]

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