Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 5
When Maya returned with the food, Karlos was already playing with the two adorable bundles of joy who had taken over his heart. He carried them in his arms like a natural father who had done it a thousand times before.
Maya smiled warmly and placed the dish on the bamboo floor with a soft clack that echoed faintly across their humble Kubo.
"You eat. I'll take care of them. They've been hyperactive since morning, and it's not even their nap time yet."
Karlos handed baby boy Iñigo to Maya. Then he placed baby girl Arabella in the crib, but she clung to his shirt and refused to let go.
"Ga gaga!"
He looked at Arabella and chuckled softly. Her teary eyes made it clear she would burst into tears if he let go, even for just a second.
"Okay, fine. You'll stay with me while I eat. But remember, no grabbing the spoon again, you shouldn't move around."
He spoke to her, though Arabella was too young to understand his words. She responded only to his tone, giggling and tugging at his shirt like it was a game.
In the end, he held the baby in his left arm while eating with his right hand, slightly clumsy, but ate nonetheless.
Arabella followed the spoon's movement with curious eyes and let out a high-pitched gurgle, "Ga ga ga!" that made Maya turn around and laugh.
"I think she's hungry," Karlos said, prompting Maya to laugh even harder.
"I just fed them earlier before you arrived. They were so eager you'd think I starved them all morning. The twins ate a whole mashed banana. I don't dare feed them too much," she explained.
Karlos nodded and continued eating, occasionally making silly faces to amuse Arabella. This was their first time being parents, and they approached every little task with care and intention.
"Are you going back to the fish port?"
"I'll visit Mr. Kanor first before he closes the shop. I don't want to miss another day waiting. If the motor parts still haven't arrived, I'll go back to the fish port. But if they're here, I'll come home. After that, I might fish a little at the beach."
"Okay," Maya nodded, gently cradling Iñigo. She stroked his cheek while cuddling him as he slept peacefully in her arms.
Just like his brother, Arabella also fell asleep on Karlos' arm, her tiny fists curled up. She seemed perfectly content resting against his broad arm, his steady heartbeat soothing her like a lullaby.
They carefully placed the twins back into their crib, moving slowly so they wouldn't wake. Karlos took the opportunity to nap after the exhausting work earlier. He laid down directly on the bamboo floor with no bedding. Even a few minutes of rest were precious. The floor had small cracks that let in cool air, making his rest surprisingly comfortable despite its simplicity.
Over forty minutes later, Karlos woke up and stretched, letting out a yawn that even surprised him. He saw Maya at the sink, sleeves rolled up as she washed plates, humming softly.
"I brought 130 pesos today." He tried to hand her the money, but she shook her head without turning around.
"You keep it. You still have to pay the remaining balance to Mr. Kanor. If your money falls short, get 100 pesos from the cabinet in the small room."
"It's alright. I think 130 pesos should be enough, unless he suddenly added hidden fees. We already paid him 500 pesos last time."
"Still, we have to be sure. The parts you need are hard to find, especially for those old motor models. And you should give Mr. Kanor a tip as a bonus."
"Nah, he'll probably just add that to the final price anyway. No need to tip him."
Karlos waved his hand dismissively.
He kissed Maya's forehead with a soft peck and stepped away.
"See you later."
"Hm."
She nodded shyly with a slight blush, as if they were still new lovers. She admitted to herself that this life wasn't bad at all. Each day might be simple and repetitive, but she felt deeply satisfied. Her two adorable children and handsome husband made her life better in ways she never imagined.
Karlos didn't return to the fish port. Instead, he walked in the direction of Mr. Kanor's shop with determined steps.
Their town had developed significantly ever since the fish port became active almost every hour from early morning to the dead of night. Even at midnight, fishing vessels arrived unannounced, keeping the town alive and bustling with business.
As a result, the town prospered. More shops and stalls opened every few months, and there were even plans for expansion.
Karlos thought about the abandoned shop they owned just outside the fish port and how he could turn it into something useful. It was a great location for business, the foot traffic alone guaranteed customers.
Some people had already offered to buy the property, but Maya refused to sell it, no matter the price. It was inherited from her parents, and she held on to it for sentimental reasons. Of course, Karlos respected her decision.
Still, deep down, he felt insecure. He had brought nothing into the marriage. The original Karlos had also been abandoned, sent to the province by his parents to live with relatives.
Those relatives kicked him out after taking all his money and any chance at a stable life.
With no other options, the original Karlos wandered to the edge of the region and eventually ended up in this town. He decided to jump into the sea, hoping it would swallow his pain. That was when Karlos from Earth transmigrated into his body, carrying with him not just his memories, but also the emotional weight of another man's broken life.
'Just like the original Karlos, I also have nothing. In fact, the original had it better because he knew who his parents were, while my parents left me in an orphanage and never looked back.'
Both Karloses were resourceful and found ways to survive. Maybe their appearance helped, black hair and a charming face could attract the attention of beautiful women.
'Too bad Thera's Karlos was hated by his parents from the start. They never gave him love, not even a sliver. He had to survive on his own from the beginning.'
Honestly, Karlos couldn't blame the original for ending his life after all that neglect and cruelty. His pain was real.
He was already in his third year of college when his parents showed up at his school, made a scene, and forced him to drop out. They sent him to the province to live on his own and never contacted him again.
He had been working part-time to pay for his tuition, sacrificing everything to stay in school. But his parents ignored all that. They claimed he wasn't helping with chores, when in fact, he was the one who cleaned the house, cooked meals, and took care of his two siblings, all while working and studying.
Karlos sighed deeply at the memory. Neither he nor the original owner had it any better.
Fortunately, he met Maya and found a home in this world, a home he built with his own hands and heart. Now he had a place to return to whenever he felt like the world was too heavy, too punishing.
After walking and reminiscing about the past, he finally arrived at Mr. Kanor's boat shop.
"Karlos, looks like you're here for the motor parts. I have some good news for you. Your package still hasn't arrived, so you can keep worrying for another day."
"…"