Ella Sullivan is an 18-year-old high school senior with a sharp wit and a penchant for sarcasm. Her life revolves around her close-knit group of friends and the love for her dog. But her world is thrown into disarray when she encounters Ms. Catherin...
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———༺✵༻——— POV Ella ———༺✵༻———
The first light of dawn slips through my curtains, warm and soft, hinting at a bright spring day ahead. I stretch under my covers, savoring the quietness, the calm before the busyness of the day. But as soon as my eyes open, that feeling pricks the back of my mind—a faint tension that's been haunting me lately, like a shadow that lurks just beyond sight. I shake it off, telling myself it's nothing, just the stress of finals season catching up with me. I take a deep breath, reminding myself it's Monday, a fresh start, and I want to enjoy it.
Rolling out of bed, I pad across my room to the window and pull back the curtains, letting the full glow of the morning sun spill into my room. It's beautiful out, the sky a clear, uninterrupted blue, with the early light casting a golden hue across the lawn. The brightness lifts my mood, and I feel a little of that lingering heaviness melt away. I can handle today.
I grab my clothes from the neatly folded stack on my dresser: a soft, light sweater and my favorite jeans. Spring has finally pushed the last of the winter chill away, but there's still a crisp edge to the morning air that makes the sweater feel just right. I slip out of my pajamas and change quickly, the soft fabric warming me instantly. Moving to the mirror, I pick up my hairbrush and begin running it through my hair, the strokes rhythmic, soothing.
After brushing my hair, I reach for my makeup bag and apply a little concealer, a sweep of mascara, and a hint of blush—just enough to feel awake, refreshed. I smile at my reflection, noting the little spark in my eyes. It's small, but it's there. The worry from last week seems smaller, a quiet murmur in the background that I'm determined to ignore.
I head down the hall to the bathroom, grabbing my toothbrush. The familiar routine grounds me as I brush my teeth, the minty taste waking me up further. Each step of the morning feels like a checklist, a pattern that keeps me focused, steady. After rinsing my mouth, I tidy up, making sure everything is back in place, and head downstairs.
In the kitchen, Max is already there, his fluffy tail wagging as he looks up at me with those eager eyes. "Morning, buddy," I say, scratching behind his ears. He purrs slightly, leaning into my hand, and I can't help but smile. I make my way to his food bowl, filling it with his favorite kibble, and then refresh his water. He immediately dives into his breakfast, his contentment adding a little lightness to my morning.
Turning to my own breakfast, I decide on something simple—toast with avocado, a bit of salt and pepper sprinkled on top. As the toast pops, I spread the avocado, and then pour myself a glass of orange juice and settle at the table, taking my time, savoring each bite.
When I've finished, I rinse my plate and leave it on the drying rack. The house feels quiet, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the floor. I breathe in deeply, letting the calm of the morning settle over me. Today will be fine. I glance at the clock and realize it's time to head out if I don't want to be late.
