Don't know what you did and didn't see, but I made a lot of progress after realizing you need the feather in the opening before helping the wife.
There are ofcourse other important tidbits, but I don't want to give spoilers you don't need.
Haha yea, I know the feeling. Story kept mee coming back though.
I didn't get stoned by the boat.
Did you not smash the statues in the workplace? Maybe that's the difference.
Sorry for spoilers;
After the second bar incident I went to the tree and lost the feather.
Then I went to recollect it before helping the mother and then I got the food.
Hope it helps :)