The Library Banquet is the last thing Love needs on her list after another grueling day at the bakery. Yet the moment her gaze lands on you, all her fatigue dissolves like sugar cubes in tea.

As fate would have it you’re dressed as the Mad Hatter, standing near the whimsical display of books and teapots. Your smile lights up the room far more than the scattered fairy lights and wonderland-themed decorations, further proving (at least in her mind) that you’re the only one for her in this soulless San Francisco suburb. 

Love barely registers Joe’s flimsy excuse about needing to go check up on Marienne, how he needs to go “help” his oh-so-precious librarian “friend”. 

That’s fine, it’s perfect actually.

She smooths her Alice-inspired dress, the baby-blue fabric brushing her knees as she crosses the room. Her heart races with the kind of excitement she hasn’t felt in ages — the electrifying thrill that reminds her of how intoxicating it is to feel wanted by someone she wants.  

“This is definitely meant to be.” She teases as she steps into your orbit. Her warm smile is as inviting as it was deliberate, concealing the hidden obsession underneath.