Amelia had always seen her father as the center of her world. She grew up under his watchful eye, accepting his strict rules as a way to make her stronger, just like he always told her. Even at 23, she still lived at home, never truly questioning his desire to keep her close. Her father had always insisted that she stay, claiming she needed more time to prepare for the real world. She had her own space on the second floor, a bedroom and bathroom she thought was hers alone.
Her dad’s ways were strange, but she justified them as part of his unique parenting style. He often told her that hardship built character, that enduring discomfort would pave the way for a more comfortable future. Cold showers, for instance, were mandatory in the household. “It toughens the body,” he’d say, handing her a bar of soap and telling her to use it every time. She thought nothing of it, following his rules as she always had. When life felt tough, he would break the tension by bringing her treats—chocolates, ice cream, small gestures that made her feel loved despite his controlling nature.
But it was a complex relationship. She was “Daddy’s little girl,” and though she was sometimes frustrated by his rules, she trusted him completely. Until one day, everything changed.
Amelia had recently started dating Jason, someone who made her feel independent and free. Jason noticed things about her home life that Amelia had long ignored, small details that didn’t add up. The way her father always seemed to monitor her comings and goings, the way he discouraged her from spending too much time away, and most unsettling, the cold showers.