BREAK OF DAWN

By: Mia Sophia

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Penelope meets Ellis at a New Year’s benefit. He’s charm and poise, intelligent and well-spoken, and Penelope has never met anyone like him. He’s dashing in his tux, as she watches him glide through the room, asking each person how their evening has been, how their kids are doing, how it’s such a pleasure for him to make their acquaintance. Each question feels personalized, like he’s taken the time to get to know the other person. Eventually, Ellis makes his way over to Penelope and Nathan, thanking them for all they’ve done for the guests and the amount of donations they’ve generated, conversing comfortably. He’s fully attentive to her the moment they meet, absorbing every last word that leaves her lips, never interrupting, until finally saying, “You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.”

She bumps into him at a cafe. Quite literally, Penelope - all elegance and grace - bumps into Ellis, her cup spilling to the ground, foam splattering against his pants. She drops to the floor, her skin flushing pink, apologies flowing from her mouth. He matches her apologies with reassurances, as she looks up to see him grinning back at her, lines forming around his eyes. They both giggle as they mop up the mess and she gladly accepts his offer to buy her a new one...