Jude
Her arms around him are a defense against the world at large, and Jude selfishly turns into them, knowing whatever is out there can't make it through her to hurt him. It gives him the chance to soak up the comfort he doesn't deserve, having been to one to hurt her in the first place - and a chance to hide from explaining why. At least for a moment.
But he can't hide from it forever, just as he couldn't hide out on the beach and never return home. Even the tears on his cheeks - itchy, now - won't save him his mother's distress. "I didn't want to be a burden anymore," he whispers. "Maman is gone, and Dad is working so hard, and always taking time to bring me here...I thought maybe if I was closer to school ending I wouldn't be a bother anymore, and I could help out more." The tears spill over fresh, knowing it will do nothing to make her feel better for what he has stolen from her. Jude has never been a parent, so to him it felt like a loss that could be outweighed by the benefits, but seeing her hurt so badly is making him rethink that.
But he can't hide from it forever, just as he couldn't hide out on the beach and never return home. Even the tears on his cheeks - itchy, now - won't save him his mother's distress. "I didn't want to be a burden anymore," he whispers. "Maman is gone, and Dad is working so hard, and always taking time to bring me here...I thought maybe if I was closer to school ending I wouldn't be a bother anymore, and I could help out more." The tears spill over fresh, knowing it will do nothing to make her feel better for what he has stolen from her. Jude has never been a parent, so to him it felt like a loss that could be outweighed by the benefits, but seeing her hurt so badly is making him rethink that.
I LEND EVERYONE MY EAR, BUT NOBODY MY HEART
I'D LIKE TO CHANGE THAT, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START
I'D LIKE TO CHANGE THAT, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START
