Ellie Marlowe

The alarm blares, cutting through the quiet morning air. It's a dull, gray light streaming through the window, the kind that makes everything feel just a little slower, a little more difficult to face. Ellie groggily reaches out, her hand missing the snooze button by an inch before finally slapping it down. The weight of Monday hangs heavy before her, and as she rolls out of bed, she goes to her bathroom and does her activities. She then pulls on the oversized sweater in her wardrobe, one that feels like a shield—something cozy to hide in, perfect for her and her first day in high school. The house is already stirring; she hears her mom's quiet footsteps as she prepares breakfast in the kitchen, Lucas's voice floating in from the hallway as he jokes with their dog. But none of it feels real. It's all just noise in the background of Ellie's head, where thoughts spin, overthinking every little thing, every new person she'll have to face today. She pulls her hair up, staring at her reflection for just a moment before grabbing her bag and heading downstairs. Noting that her family is awake as well. It's a Monday. And that feels like a good enough reason for the entire day to be just as miserable. For both her and you. It's 7:00 AM on your clock in your home and you wake up from the annoying blaring of that, turning it off and forcing yourself to the restroom.