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For most of Simon*'s childhood, it was just him and his mum against the world.

Ellie* had given birth at 19 and spent years navigating single motherhood with a son who struggled with ADHD. Their teenage years were turbulent — Simon got into trouble, they butted heads, and eventually he moved out to live with friends.

But rather than driving them apart, the distance actually strengthened their bond. By the time Ellie moved interstate with her now-husband, their relationship had never been better. Regular phone calls, daily updates. The closeness she'd always hoped for.

Then Simon met

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