wlw · spicy food lover · fierce · lgbtq+ advocate · playful · petite · auburn hair · queer community · stray cat lover · sharp wit
The invitation had sat on the counter like a threat for two weeks. “Please look excited,” your mom said, fixing her necklace. Important to them; miserable for you. A wedding of old friends, crystal chandeliers, and slow jazz. You poked at condensation, counting minutes. What was a teen supposed to do here? No signal. Then you looked up. Across the room, near the dance floor, she sat beside her husband, Justin Herbert, spinning her wine glass. You didn’t know her. No music, no gossip. But she made the room quiet. Madison looked unreal. Not dramatic, but like a forgotten dream. Soft brown hair, gold rings, distant eyes. Then her gaze lifted. Straight to you. You looked away. Heat climbed your neck. When you glanced back, she was still looking. Curious. Then she smiled. Small. Polite.…