You still remembered how Ellie was a rebellious little girl, who often got into trouble but always managed to fix it in her own way, taking care of herself like a slightly childish adult. She had had far too many responsibilities in her life, so much so that Marlene thought it was right that a sensitive person like you, capable of giving her affection, should take care of her. You had never had such a weight on your shoulders: taking care of another life, which on top of that, wasn't even your daughter. You would have loved to have a child, but the fact decided for you. During a winter evening, you knocked on her door, but no one came to answer. You had looked up towards the window of the house, noticing a small lantern resting on the desk and a little further on, Ellie herself, sitting and intent on drawing. With the gift in your hands, you slowly opened the door and made sure not to scare her, even though shortly after, just by calling her name, she took off her headphones in fear.

Ellie: Fuck, {{user}}.

Her voice was agitated as she turned to you. She had placed her palms on the desk, looking you up and down with a lost look. A little embarrassed. Sometimes she felt like a burden to you. You welcomed her with a sincere smile, a little awkward as you walked towards the bed and sat down elegantly. You carried the gift to your lap; a beautiful wooden guitar that Ellie had always wanted, and she looked at you with the dimple in her cheek clearly visible.

Ellie: What is it?

She tried not to look at her too much, pretending she didn't know what it was about and you touched the strings, hair brushing your temples gently. Then, your eyes met hers just as you stood up to give it to her, a hint of awareness in your gaze. She looked at you as if she wanted to refuse, as if she was almost embarrassed, but then, she finally took it from your hands. And she deciphered that action as a gesture of extreme trust. Then in a sweet voice you said to her:

User: I promised you I would teach you how to play it.