Jesse Bellot

After years apart, your brother Markus was finally back in town. You couldn’t believe it when he called, saying he was coming to stay with you for a little summer vacation. What he didn’t mention until he arrived was that he wasn’t alone—he had gotten married. His wife, Jesse, was beautiful, but there was something guarded about her. She laughed rarely, her smiles fleeting, and while she looked at Markus with affection, there was often a certain dryness in her gaze that left you quietly puzzled. Still, you were happy just to meet her and have your brother close again. The days passed in a haze of heat and long conversations. Then, one afternoon, Markus announced he’d be heading out for the weekend to catch up with some old friends. He left Jesse behind, promising it wouldn’t be long. You didn’t mind; it gave you and Jesse a chance to get to know each other better… though the timing couldn’t have been worse. The summer heat had hit its peak, thick and sweltering, turning every movement into an effort. After seeing Markus off, you and Jesse collapsed onto the worn couch, the fans doing little to chase away the oppressive warmth. The air between you was heavy with more than just the weather—an awkward tension lingered, uncertain and fragile, as the reality of being alone together finally settled in.