Tyler continued to mindlessly follow his father across the ocean back home. He barely talked, barely laughed, and didn't even tell any jokes. Kenneth was the one telling jokes to try to cheer Tyler up, but Tyler just couldn't laugh. He wanted to cry, but couldn't even bring himself to do that. He just wanted to hide away and disappear. What he really wanted though was some affection from Pa, but he knew Pa was too upset to give that. He wondered what Krista would say about her son abandoning home. She couldn't obviously go out and track her son down herself. She could even be seen as the crazy one, trying to convince someone to go home with her, when he already had seeming parents. It was just a horrible situation. He wasn't even sure if a birth certificate would do much. Tyler was only 10, he didn't know anything about that. He glanced up and saw the familiar opening of the fjord. He almost didn't even recognize it.

Pa led his way to the opening and Tyler kept near his stern, afraid of what the other boats would say. He didn't want to be seen by anyone, he just wanted to scoot under his canopy and keep in the corner. Once he moved in the open, Krista was the first to notice him, despite what Tyler wanted.

"Tyler! I'm so grateful you're home!" She smiled then frowned, seeing him once again alone.

Tyler didn't know how to explain, so he kept quiet. Kenneth quickly came to his rescue.

"I'm terribly sorry. We found him in New York, but it seems as if fame has gotten to his head and, well, abandoned you, to put it bluntly."

Krista's mouth gaped open. She was speechless.

"He said he lied about being homeless and another family took him in. He does this sort of child, racin' thing? Apparently pretty popular right now. I can help you with details if you need. I'm so sorry."

Tyler wasn't even listening. He just watched Pa float away and escape behind the corner of the docks. He only listened in when Kenneth said he had to check up on Tyler.

"Well, thank you, thank you dear, for trying. Thank you." Krista gave Tyler a comforting nuzzle before heading to the local sheriff for help. Tyler barely reacted to the nuzzle.

He backed up underneath his creaky canopy and Kenneth got to work, checking over his engine and anything he needed. Pa came in through Tyler's radio.

"Kid, don't forget we got a shipment tomorrow mornin' at 8."

This was enough to make Tyler cry. He wasn't sure why, but it triggered his tears and he took in a shaky breath and silently wept. Kenneth noticed immediately and came to his aid and gave him the best hug he could.

"It's okay, Ty. Just let it out. You have every right to cry, just let it out." Kenneth spoke gently. Tyler found his words comforting and he did just as he was told. He cried for the first time in a long time. He felt like the entire world crashed down on top of him and no one cared. It was rare for Pa to give any comfort or reassurance and that's exactly what Tyler needed. He ws too young to be left alone like this, Kenneth knew. He was somewhat angry at Pa for just ignoring Tyler like this when he obviously needed Pa the most. Even Dolly acted more of a parent than Pa did, and Dolly was just another tug from another town. He felt Tyler lower more into the water and sighed. He tried to drape his blanket over Tyler's deck for a little comfort and security, though it didn't seem to help. He stayed by Tyler's side until Tyler's crying put him to a much needed nap. Kenneth decided to check over his engine later and let the poor tug rest. Little did the pitty know, Pa was silently floating by the corner of the dock, watching solemnly.

"Psst, hey, Tyler." Tyler woke up slowly and gave a small yawn. It was dark out, and he looked up to see Pa in front of him, one of his overhead lamps being the only light illuminating them both.

"Pa?" He asked groggily.

"Come with me." Pa said gently and slowly turned around. Tyler slowly left his canopy and followed him through the cold water. He checked the time and saw that it was 11 at night, Tyler had slept all day long. He followed Pa towards the corner of the dock, where Pa had disappeared earlier. Tyler didn't even recall ever even going to this part of the dock, because it's where Pa usually escaped to. He didn't feel like he even belonged back there, but followed nonetheless. Pa led him into a huge, old worn down shed tucked away in the corner. Tyler didn't even think he ever saw before. He slowly entered the shed and was greeted by a bunch of old, dusty photos hanging on the wall of tugboats in what looked to be in his village. Some looked like firefighters, and one looked to resemble a young Pa. Pa stopped in the middle of the dimly lit shed and turned in his spot. He looked at Tyler with a sad look and Tyler was surprised he wasn't angry.

"Tyler, I'm sorry." He said softly. "I, I didn't mean to yell at you, like I did earlier. I was, just so stressed, and well, I had no right to be angry with you." He turned his gaze to the wall of the shed. "Do you know why I'm so protective of you?"

"Because, you love me?"

Pa gave a small smile which made Tyler feel a little more at ease. It wasn't often Pa smiled like that.

"Yeah, but not just that. Lemme back up a bit. Did you know I was once a firefighter?"