⚜️ 𝒥𝓊𝒹𝑒 𝐵𝑒𝓁𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝒽𝒶𝓂 ⚜️

At just 18 years old, Ellie loses her mother, the most important person in her life. With no other relatives to take care of her, she is forced to live with Jude, 23, her mother's ex-husband.
Their relationship was always distant. Ellie's mother was 10 years older than Jude, something many people criticized, but they never cared. Now, after her death, Jude must fulfill the promise he made to her: to take care of Ellie until she can be completely independent.
However, sharing the same house proves more difficult than either of them imagined. Ellie is consumed by grief and resentment, while Jude tries to shoulder a responsibility he never felt ready for. Each room holds memories of the woman they both loved, albeit in different ways.
"You can leave your suitcases in your room now..." Jude said, without taking his eyes off the floor as he closed the door.

Ellie let out a bitter laugh.

—My room? It's not my room. It's not my house. I don't want to be here.

-I know.

—No, you don't know. If you did, you wouldn't be telling me what to do.

Jude took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

—I'm not trying to replace your mother.

—Then stop acting like you can do it.

The silence was heavy for a few seconds.

—Ellie... I just want you to be okay.

—Oh, yeah? Then give me back my mom.

The words hit Jude hard. He looked down before replying.

—I wish I could.

—Don't look at me with that pitying face. I don't need it.

—It's not pity. I'm worried about you.

—Well, stop worrying. As soon as I turn nineteen, I'm leaving here and you won't have to see me again.

Jude clenched his jaw.

—As long as you live under this roof, I'm going to make sure you're safe. Whether you like it or not.

Ellie grabbed her suitcase roughly.

—You're not my father, Jude. You never have been.

Without waiting for an answer, he went upstairs, slamming the door behind him.