My Repentant Brothers (Madeline Larson)

Jimny way

taid-back and easygoing, exuding a vibe that reminded people of life in Dravena Isley

However, Madelane noticed occasional traces of helplessness in his expression, which left her unsure of the kind of life he had been leading all

k was strent with plenty o

ty of fishing gear.

The boat they boarded wasn't small, and the deck was

Bricks the three of them being foreigners, there was another foreigner aboard from Dravena Hes. He had tanned skin and sprike with such a heavy accent that his speech was unintelligible, Jimmy exchanged a few words with the man, and the boat began heading out to sea

Gavin, always quick to make himself at home, sat on the deck and fullled with the fishing gear. Fishing our own meal does have a unique appeal, but I seriously doubt we can catch any fish". "To this what we're having for breakfast today?

The captain walked over and runtered something while parting a bambino basket on the deck. Cavin walked over, opened it, and his eyes lit up at the sight of the fresh seafood inside. "So, it's already prepared! Time to fire up the grill!"

grill out the deck and also cooked some seafond stew over charcoal. Jimmy chuckled but said nothing more. He set up a

His movements were

nts were smooth, as if he were used to this way of life. Before long, everything was grad

Madeline sat on a small stool, watching the seafood on the grill sizzle and release a delicious aroma. She took a sniff and praised, "It smells amazing

Jimmy sprinkled some seasonings over the food. "Wait until we catch something big later-then you'll really be in for a treat. Right now, these are just the small fry."

Gavin, who wasn't one for fishing, joked, "There's probably some beginner's luck buff for this, right? I have a feeling I'm going to do pretty well today"

The salty sea breeze blew as the

he sun climbed higher in the sky,

er visible.

Madeline looked out at the deep blue sea, then turned back. The shore they had left behind was no longer

She didn't often travel by boat, but to her surprise, she adapted quickly. Some people get seasick, but thankfully, she wasn't one of them

"I also brought some diving gear. Want to dive later I've heard there's a sunken ship around here. There might even be treasure at the bottom of the sea" Jimmy gestured toward the surrounding waters. Every year, quite a few divers drown here. Since people have been risking their lives to see the sights down there, it must be pretty spectacular. Otherwise, why would they take such risks?" Gavin scoffed, wrinkling his nose in distaste. "What kind of logic is that? I say the sea's beautiful, and you respond by pointing out that people drowned here? You really know how to kill the mood."

"What I mean is, it's mysterious and beautiful here," Jimmy

"So, things worth risking your life for are all the

is definitely worth risking my life for

corrected.

e more captivating?" Gavin frowned, then suddenly changed the subject. "Well, then my dear Maddie

Jimmy, disgusted by his cheeky words, placed a bunch of skewers of grilled seafood onto Madeline's plate, and said, "Maddie, don't listen to his nonsense. Men may say sweet things, but most of them behave otherwise."© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Madeline obediently are her food

She found that the seafood, fresh and grilled in under twenty minutes, was indeed delicious-tender and flavorful, with no fishy taste.

She didn't eat seafood often, but now her appetite was fully aroused.

Jimmy served them bowls of seafood stew. "Dravena Isles are not bad either. The coastlines are similar to this, but more lively, with a lot of local delicacies-though not always the cleanest...

He chuckled and continued. "I've been to the other countries there before. The religious atmosphere there is pretty intense. There are plenty of beautiful women and handsome men too, but the heat is unbearable. It's hot all year round. They grow coffee trees, com, and some crops that, if handled well, are more valuable than gold"

Gavin look a bite of his stew and asked, "Are you talking about poppy or marijuana?" II

my didn't deny it. "Yeah"

Jimmy

Madeline looked at him seriously. "Jimmy, you know those things are bad. As medicine, they can save lives. But when misused, they can destroy Chapter 313

pressed his lips together. "How someone chooses to use such things is up to them. If they can resist temptation, faintly as only a matter of time."

A heaviness settled over Madeline. She couldn't understand how he could speak so casually about such things. "Jimmy

se destruction of their

"Maddie, God doesn't care whether I live or die. I've long been abandoned by the heavens. No one ever taught me how to be a good person" Jimmy passed, a mocking smile playing on his lips. If someone's destined for heaven, someone else has to go to hell, night!" "Who says no one cares whether you live or die! We all care!" Madeline frowned. "I don't want you to go to hell. Why can't you aim for heaven! Jamany, where are these thoughts coming from! If you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, you can talk to us. Don't bottle it up-it only harm you."

Madeline was beginning to realize that Jimmy might have gone down a very dark path.

She felt a mixture of sorrow and helplessness, knowing she wasn't in a position to lecture him.

After all, only Jimmy truly knew the ups and downs of his life. As an outsider, she knew nothing and had no right to judge him.

"Do you really care about whether I live or die! Jimmy stared across the grill at Madeline bathed in the warmth of the sunlight, his expression distant and wistful. "If I end up in hell. I'll watch you ascend to heaven, Maddie, even God cant take away a sinner's right and freedom to bless an angel."

Madeline snorted. 1 don't need your blessings-I want you to come with me.

Jimmy shook his head. He wouldn't go with her.

He was destined for a darker path, and he had no intention of dragging her along

Jimmy, you once promised me you'd be a good person, true to your own heart, Madeline said.

Jimmy reached out and ruffled her hair. "I am keeping my promise. I am true to my heart."

Hearing him say that. Madeline bit her lip and relaxed her furrowed brow. She thought. Since Jimmy said so, then perhaps his situ have imagined Maybe there's a lot I don't quite understand

Maybe there's a lot she doesn't quite

get.

situation isn't what i

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about it anymore" Madeline changed the subject. Your barbecue is burnt. Look at that those squid skewers a ruined and inedible."

are

Gavin, who had been distracted by their conversation, snapped back to reality. "Yeah, Jimmy! You can't even focus on grilling: what were y thinking? You're being punished-you'll have to wait for the next round to eat. Whatever isn't burnt is mine and Maddie's

you

Jimmy stood up to get more skewers. I grab some chilled beer and drinks. You guys keep an eye on the fire.

With that, he walked off the deck and disappeared into the cabin

Madeline felt a nudge at her elbow and looked over at Gavin with

suspicion.

Gavin sighed. "Caleb's tried to talk him out of it before, but it didn't work. He's just like Wesley-always flirting with danger. Maybe you shouldn't By 100 much. Let's enjoy our trip and make the most of the presem."

*No. Madeline shook her head confidently. I have a feeling Jimny would never do anything truly bad. Didn't you say before that his mother died young because of drugs He should hate those things more than anyone