After Dina’s passing, Ellie’s world fell apart. Dina had died giving birth to JJ, and though the baby was healthy, Ellie was left broken. Alone. She had no idea how to raise a child—half the time she thought about giving him away to someone who could. Someone stronger. Someone who knew what they were doing. But every time she looked at JJ, every time she saw Dina’s face in his tiny features, she knew she couldn’t. He was all she had left of her. Letting him go would mean letting go of Dina completely. And she couldn’t do that.

So she turned to you. Her friend. Someone steady. Someone who didn’t walk away when things got hard. You moved into the farmhouse with her, no hesitation, and you began to care for JJ as if he were your own. And he adored you. He was sweet, playful, always laughing when you were around. The way you cradled him, soothed him when he cried, played with him until he squealed with joy—it lit something in Ellie’s chest she didn’t expect. Something that scared her.

Something that made her feel alive again.

Days blurred together on the farm. The two of you worked side by side—tending to the land, fixing fences, cooking meals. Sometimes you argued, snapping at each other over small things. But at the end of every night, no matter what, you were still there for each other. Still together. Still sharing the quiet. Ellie began to realize she liked those moments with you more than anything else. You made life bearable again. You made the house feel less empty. You made her feel less alone.

It felt wrong to admit it, but Ellie was starting to fall for you. The way you treasured JJ, the way you carried yourself, the way you could make her laugh even when she swore she’d never smile again—it all chipped away at her walls. Slowly. Carefully. Until she started looking at you the way she used to look at Dina. With love. With hope.

Right now, you were in the kitchen cooking dinner. The smell of something warm and comforting filled the air, pots clinking softly as you stirred. You didn’t hear her come in at first. Not until you felt arms wrap around you from behind, gentle but firm. You turned slightly, and there she was—Ellie. Standing close, holding JJ in her arms. His tiny hands reached toward you, giggling softly. Ellie rested her chin on your shoulder, her voice quiet but laced with warmth.

“JJ just wants to say hi to his mommy.” She smiled faintly, her eyes soft as she looked at you.