LOCATION — POINT ÉPHÉMÈRE ARTS CENTRE. WHEN — FEBRUARY, SATURDAY 5TH, 2021. 5.36PM. CLOSED STARTER —LIDA SENOL.

Strolling pass an old brick warehouse right by the Canal Saint-Martin industrial style design, Dov thinks back to the summers where he and the kids were able to enjoy anything from  concerts to dance lessons. Now, during the winter season, it was a little less dense of people and not very exciting with most places boarded up. But, it was a massive area for the Hugo and Caroline to run around, and they did just that as they waited for their companion, a young girl Miray. Dov wasn’t a big fan of playdates. For the most part, it was Dov sitting in a circle of moms from the school, whom he didn’t know, going through the motions of chatting about recipes and natural remedies for kids' colds, as the children fought over toys nearby. He can’t help but glance at the clock, and wondering how long he had to pretend to be having a good time at this playdate when all all wanted to do was get up, grab the kids, and head for the nearest exit. 

Over the last couple of weeks, Dov had been lucky enough to befriend a woman named Lida Senol a little over three weeks ago when she moved into the city. They were quick to exchange numbers at a past playdate when they found out both of them take care of children under the age of seven and have potential to become friends. Mostly though, it was because Lida, who Dov has found out over the course of the last few weeks, is unafraid of saying what was on her mind, and mentioned how much she disliked playdates. From there, the rest if history, as they say.

Dov wipes the bench from any debris that may have been left behind by previous occupants before placing it down and using the newspaper as a barrier between the bench and the expensive material of his trousers. Hugo and Caroline take off and as much as he's learned tp relax and trust that they aren't in constant, perpetual danger, he still keeps a trained eye on them and listens to their cries of laughter, taking it as a sign they're doing fine where they are. 

❝ You made it, ❞ Dov chirps toward the brunette as she and her daughter make their way to him. He then goes on to tease, ❝ I was thinking about sending you directions. ❞ Leaning forward, dark hazel hues move toward the little girl, pointing toward her shoes. ❝ I like your sneakers. Do they light up? ❞ He asks kindly, making conversation with the girl. Miray shakes her head ' no ', in which Dov leans back into the bench and looks elsewhere, waving away the little girl. ❝ Never mind. I take back what I said. ❞ He didn't mean it, of course. He was just being a wise-ass, which he knows most children don't like and simply don't get, but thankfully Miray was able to giggle at his indifference. ❝ Hé, les Razmoket! Votre ami est là!venez la chercher, elle et ses chaussures boiteuses! ( hey, rugrats! your friend is here! come get her and her lame shoes! ) ❞ He cups his hands over his mouth and yells out in order to get Hugo and Caroline's attention from wherever the hell they ran off to. Seconds later, the two kids are running around a corner of a building and begin racing towards Miray. Caroline, being older than Hugo, is much faster and takes Miray by the hand before scampering off elsewhere.

Hugo, on the other hand, is doing his best in keeping up.

©

LOCATION — IN THE STREETS OF ARRONDISSEMENT ÉLYSÉE. WHEN — FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2022. 4.03PM. CLOSED STARTER — VICTORIA MOREAU.

He has a  blond boy in his left embrace, huddling into Dov’s side, and he was in a current state of laughter. His laughs ring happily in his ears while holding him close while his sister skips ahead, excited about the gelato they’re getting. On the way, Hugo uses his time in Dov’s arms by pointing out all the things that spark his brain to curiosity. Sometimes he’ll go quiet, absorbed in the world around them as it moves past, but as of right now Caroline has his humour at attention as she continues on her way and splashing bright yellow rubber boots in deep puddles.   ❝ Caz, pouvez-vous ralentir, s'il vous plaît? ❞ He calls to the young girl with a gentle chuckle while shaking his head at the fact that he’s finally beginning to see how much grief these two are going to give him ─ in the best way possible. Though, he’s almost positive he’ll be going silver much more soon than he would like to anticipate. Of course Caroline is too excited to stop while she’s ahead and rather unfortunately trips on her own awkwardly placed footing and if it weren’t for the person she had stumbled into, her trouble would have been much worse. 

❝ Je suis vraiment désolé pour ça, tu vas bien? ❞ Dov asks the woman, but not long enough to realize that he recognizes her, before dark hazel hues flicker towards the little girl. ❝ Are you okay? Caz, that’s why we have to slow down, pal. ❞ She’s fine, he thinks, as she nods her head and pips up an apology. Eyes set back on the woman, and now comes the surprise. ❝ ── Ria, is that you? ❞ Dov cranes his neck a little toward the brunette, eyes squinting in wonder but he knows its Victoria Moreau. ❝ Do my eyes deceive me? ❞ He plays when their eyes lock, which is evident by the good-natured and goofy smile on his lips. It's been sometime since they've seen each other last. Probably before, well ... Everything. Both in hers and his life. It was a shame, really. But, famously and unironically: c'est las vie.

LOCATION — CHAMBRES ET PETIT DÉJEUNER VARENNE, BELLEVILLE.  WHEN — MONDAY, JANURARY 31ST, 2022. 6.30PM. CLOSED STARTER — JULIEN ANDRE.

Although he loves the sharp chill of winter with the kind of cold that will rob the last whispers of heat from youe bones, Dov always thought that this place was much more beautiful in the summers ... Despite that thought, even inside tucked away in a corner window, it's still a rather quiet and beautiful place. As always, the hosts have been very welcoming and caring. The little cottage is superb and decorated with care. It's always been a good spot for Dov to meet with others that gathers a little more privacy.

Best of all: free parking is available.

Unlike other meetings he had set up here, this one was a little less solid. The two, Julien and Dov, had been just getting in touch and starting the conversation about it all a few weeks ago, and finally being able to meet left Dov buzzing with excitment ; having read the novelist works before, it was safe to admit that Dov was a fan and with the potential of Dov turning his work into a motion picture. Looking up just in time to spot Julien coming his way, Dov gives the other a nod of recognition before stepping out from his chair and standing to greet the gentleman. ❝ Good afternoon, sir! Bonjour, bonjour. It’s a pleasure to meet you. ❞ Reaching out a steady head for a shake, Dov clasps both hands over Julien's and gives the back of his hand a friendly pat before releasing. Almost immediately after, he passed over his business card for Julien to take, just in case. Although, not necessary, one side of his card is translated into English. He also has another wallet in his tote with cards in Arabic and Spanish, again, just in case. 

❝ I hope you don’t mind that I’ve already ordered a bottle, ❞ Dov gestures to the chilled bottle of Pineau des Charentes ; a favourite of Dov’s for it’s mix of grape must and cognac, and a perfect icebreaker. ❝ S'il vous plaît, s'il vous plaît. Assieds-toi. ❞ He says, sliding back into his seat and leaning back comfortably, simultaneously rolling the long sleeves of his forest green dress shirt.

𝐆𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐀 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐈.

At the confirmation the man didn’t have a pre-order, Luca gave him a nod of affirmation as well as a look of apology. Had his hands not been completely full he would have got right into it for whatever it was they were looking for, but he caught the man’s eye catching a glimpse of a vase on one of the displays and he said, “I’ll be with you in just a moment, not to worry!” Turning his back to him then, Luca sped through as many tasks as he could, getting the mugs situated, the extra vases settled into the backroom, dishing out cafe’ orders and getting people rung up for their chosen floral arrangements for the day until he finally saw a semblance of light at the end of the tunnel. Dov’s patience seemed to serve him well, as Luca sauntered over, a pen affixed on top of his ear lobe and a notepad in hand in case he needed to right down a specific flower to search for that might not have been on the floor. 

“Merci pour votre patience!” He exuded gratitude before his eyes readjusted to the bouquet in question along with the vase that he had been looking at when they first glanced at each other prior. “The bouquet you’re looking at now is € 55, along with the vase, and just for your patience alone, I can knock off about  € 10, so total will be about  € 65 if that’s agreeable?” Luca concluded. He eyed the flowers in the bouquet making sure the petals were well nourished, the stems still pliable enough to fit into the vase in question, it was when he saw one of the stems had a bit of a flimsy root that he grabbed it up and said, “Do you have a preference for arrangement?” He canted his head over to the counter top where he set to work to get it in working order. 

─── ˗ˏˋ ❍ ´ˎ˗ ───

❝ Ce n’est pas un problème pour moi. ❞ Which is very true. Dov wasn’t in a hurry. While waiting for the others assistance, Dov takes his time in taking a look around the store, unable to keep curious eyes in one place. He mentally ticks off what is new in the store. And then, he can't help but his mind wander to his mother and what he was going to find when he arrives. As much as he loves his mother, he never really got a chance to be a child. Chaos and fear are always close by and because of that, he feels the need to be constantly vigilant, to make sure the worst doesn’t happen, because no one else is alert, least of all the adult. What was he going to find when he gets there?

Hearing footsteps behind him, Dov turns around quickly while dark hazel hues flicker towards the florist, surprised at the genuine offer of knocking off a couple of euro. Although it’s kind, Dov feels like he doesn’t need to be rewarded for his patience. He waves a handle in gentle dismissal, ❝ No, please, no. You don’t have to do that. ❞ He almost feels embarrassed. Is this man really doing it because of Dov's simply patience or did they know who he was?

❝ Ah, ❞ Dov lets out a sound which sounds something between a chuckle and a huff before shaking her head. ❝ No, I figured I would be getting it as is. Are you saying you can make it ─ better? ❞ From how this is going, one would think Dov has never purchased a flower arrangement before. ❝ If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears. ❞

rhododendron & queen anne's lace

RHODODENDRON ─ what's the scariest dream you've ever had?

Answered.

QUEEN ANNE’S LACE ─ would you rather carve pumpkins or wrap presents?

Dov would much rather wrap presents! He hates getting his hands messy, so digging out pumpkin guts is NOT on his list of favourite things to do. When it comes to wrapping presents, Dov is a master ; sometimes he even goes as far as doing a theme, both colours and shapes. When Hugo and Caroline began living with him, for their first Christmas, Dov had a gift wrapped topiary, where both kids got a green animal shaped present. 

Rhododendron

RHODODENDRON ─  what's the scariest dream you've ever had?

The scariest dream Dov has ever had was most likely trigged by the first time Linaëlle left him alone. The nightmare he had was in complete black and white. Dov was sitting in a pitch black room except for a small light that circled around him in complete silence. Soon after he would hear a scurrying noise, and it grew louder in sound and what sounded like in numbers ... Then, from the small area of visible ground around him, thousands of bugs came crawling towards him, with Dov not being able to move around at all. They crawl on him and slowly started to eat him alive. This nightmare would end with Dov waking himself up by screaming, and he had trouble falling asleep for around a week after and had an extreme fear of bugs for the rest of his childhood.

ALLIUM, PEONY, VIOLET, & MAGNOLIA

ALLIUM ─ what's the best thing you can cook?

The best thing Dov can cook would probably have to be crepes. Crepes were the first thing Dov taught himself how to make after his mother lightly suggested he should start learning in case of the nights she wouldn’t make it home. He was too scared to ask why she meant by make it home ... Since then, he’s taken a handful of cooking classes. But he really experimented with crepes. as much as he did as a kid has formed Dov into a hefty connoisseur of thin pancakes. 

PEONY ─ what's your favourite hot beverage?

He loves a good cappuccino or a latte. He may seem like he's hard to please at times, but it's really a front.  

VIOLET ─ do you like where you're from?

To start, Dov is a proud Parisian. There’s no doubt about it. Where he’s from specifically: Seine-Saint-Denis, Dov doesn’t like bringing up living there. He doesn’t like to speak about living there despite still visiting his mother who still lives there. Poor access to education and scarce access to anyone gave a single damn about this place become a hotspot for drug dealers and everything that comes with it. ( deep down, dov knows he truly isn't angry at the neighbourhood itself. - he hasn't come to terms with it, but really, he's just angry at his mom lol )  

MARIGOLD ─ do you listen to what's on the radio?

Dov doesn’t listen to the radio much. He thinks his music taste is too good for whatever is playing on the radio.

Andrew Garfield for Variety

LOCATION — LE ROGUE. PARIS, FRANCE.  WHEN — JANUARY, FRIDAY 21ST, 2022. AROUND 1AM. CLOSED STARTER — MICAYLA HARRIS.

Paris at night is full of surprises. 

Dov hears the thumping music before he stops in his tracks in front of the establishment that has caught his attention. Ah, yes. Le Rouge. He’s heard about the nightclub that has caused the stir in Paris over the last few years and as if recently, he’s never had the time to go in. He really didn’t want to. But Dov made a bucket list when he was fourteen: Visit every store or business possible in Paris and he still takes it very seriously. Also, seeing as that was the only activity on his bucket list, he felt as if he needed to see it through. He also knew that it would keep him busy for the rest of his life. And isn’t that what a bucket list is supposed to do? Distract you form the fact that you’re dying?

Putting out the cigarette with his heel, Dov strides forward towards the entrance — only to be immediately stopped by a security at the front door.

‘ i.d, ’ grunts the doorman. 

❝ Man, seriously? Do I look like — ❞ Dov once again stops short, and this time it’s with a sigh as she gives in takes out his wallet in order to pass over his I.D. He should be happy he still get’s I.D, though being asked for I.D as you get older goes from being caught, to annoying, insulting, flattering, non-existent, and then finally a humorous joke by the random stranger who’s most likely a middle-aged cashier. 

When he’s inside, Dov is first met with bright lights and the humidity from the dance floor that forced him to unbutton his white dress shirt. Clubbing is an integral part of modern culture: an irreplaceable segment of the entertainment industry. As Dov looks around, he thinks: But why did it become such a popular sector and what is it in nightclubs that draws so many people?  The beat is vibrating off the walls ; the crowd is out in force and ready to party. The drinks are flowing across the tables just as fast as the bartenders can make them, conversation is loud and patriots are struggling to hear over the thumping music and the dance floor is filled with sweaty bodies swaying to the beat. To the naked eye this is the makings of success. 

Continuing his way around, taking in the sight, Dov finds himself intrigued by a man dressed in head to toe athletic wear — the duffle bag was also an odd choice of accessory to bring to a club. Against his better judgement, Dov decides to follow this oddly dressed man who stops in front of a bodyguard before saying something to him and being allowed further access. Just as he thought his luck was running out, he decided to think fast and join what seemed to be a bachalor party. He joins in on the hooting and hollering to give the appearance he’s with this drunk group of men. The leader of the group, just as the man previously did, says something to the bodyguard which gives Dov and the rest of the group access ... To a basement? 

Following the group down a flight of stairs, Dov is stunned to find out he has unintentionally found himself in what looked like a fight club. Breaking away from the group, he tries to make himself small and unnoticeable because he’s suddenly all too aware that he doesn’t belong here nor is he allowed. 

‘ lookin’ for a fight, pretty boy? ’ 

Turning around slowly, Dov is met with three men who are comically much larger than him. Clearly, he’s somewhere where he isn’t supposed to be. But, all he can think about is why pretty boy used as an insult all the time? He doesn’t get it. ❝ No, gentlemen. No. I’m not looking for a fight. I’m just on my way out. So, if you’ll have to excuse me, Cerberus, I’ll be taking my leave. ❞ Dov begins head back from the direction of which he came. He didn't need to be here and more importantly, didn't need to be seen here. Unfortunatly, the leader of the three-headed-moron takes Dov by the shoulder roughly, pulling him back and forcing him to stumble and find his footing. He hates that this feels like high school.

Azalea

AZALEA ─ what's a movie you cried while watching?

Easy. The NeverEnding Story. The Swamp of Sadness represents sorrow, despair, and misery itself. It amplifies and focuses whatever sadness is within a being and as that sadness grows it causes them to sink. Artax ... Poor Artax was an unfortunate victim. Also, for a ten year old, watching a horse die on television was heartbreaking in itself. On top of the other several layers that this scene holds, Dov was emotionally umprepared. He always had a strong personality. Even as a kid he knew his likes and dislikes. His wants and needs. Dov has always known himself, but like any kid who doesn't totally understand pride yet, Dov, thought that because he had read the book previously, he figured that he would be able to move past the scene without intense sadness. Dov even assured his mother that he'd be able to watch it this movie and be okay ; they had been saving up for three months in order to see this film and the ten year old wasn't about to let this moment pass. Dov thought he was ready. Boy, was he not. Dov cried into his mother's shoulder the rest of the day.

✿ send me a floral question ✿

Daisy: How old were you when you had your first kiss?

Carnation: If I handed you a concert ticket right now, who would you want to be the performer?

Jasmine: What color looks best on you?

foxglove: Name three facts about your family?

Allium: What's the best thing you can cook?

Orange Blossom: If you could pick the gender and appearance of your child, would you?

Calla Lily: If you died right now, what song would you want to play at your funeral?

Poinsettia: Favorite holiday dish?

Oxlip: Would you ever get into a long distance relationship?

Primrose: Favorite kind of soup?

Daffodil: What's the most thoughtful present you've ever received?

Rose: Are you currently in love with someone?

Amsonia: Would you ever become a vegan?

Peony: What's your favorite hot beverage?

Tulip: For your birthday, what kind of cake do you ask for?

Myrtle: Do you like going on airplanes?

Hibiscus: Did you ever play an instrument? If so what?

Zinnia: Who was your best friend when you were six years old?

Poppy: What color was your childhood home?

Hydrangea: Starbucks order?

Violet: Do you like where you're from?

Locust: What was your favorite book as a child?

Rhododendron: What's the scariest dream you've ever had?

Queen Anne's Lace: Would you rather carve pumpkins or wrap presents?

Magnolia: Favorite kind of candy?

Aster: Would you rather be cold or hot?

Marigold: Do you listen to what's on the radio?

Heliconia: Do you like when it rains?

Azalea: What's a movie you cried while watching?

Dandelion: Do you think you're important?

𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐎 𝐉𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒.

Standing in front of the mirror, they looked the suit over with careful consideration. It was fitted for them specifically, but they just weren’t sure… “Does this look okay?” Glancing to the person who stood nearby, they hoped that they would offer some good input on the suit itself and how it looked on them. They’d always felt intimidated by displaying themselves in androgynous clothing, usually sticking to more ‘feminine’ type clothing, not one hundred percent comfortable in themselves just yet. That insecurity was rearing its ugly head now and it led to them being unsure of if they’d have the confidence to pull off the outfit. 

─── ˗ˏˋ ❍ ´ˎ˗ ───

It’s safe to assume that Dov loves fashion. Fitted designer everything. Mostly, he likes looking put together, and clean, and feeling good about himself. Living in poverty made him feel insignificant and invisible. Even as a ( somewhat ) oblivious teen, Dov knew that he was gifted. Though the way he was dressing to go to school didn’t show it, nor helped him feel like he was talented. That was until he started saving up, bit by bit. It took an extraordinary amount of patience, but when the time came Dov was able to find a second-hand designer suit that fit him perfectly. He would never forget that day he put on that suit and finally felt like a person.

He felt like he was someone noticeable and worth of being seen. He’s never looked back since.

So, when a stranger asks for his opinion about the suit they had on, he doesn’t mind that he’s being pulled away from his own shopping because one) he’s always up for giving his honest opinion and two) the person who now had his attention  ❝ Hold your head up a little higher, the suit looks fantastic. Don’t be afraid to walk around a little bit, allow time for you and the suit to become one. ❞ He says with a cheesy, yet friendly smile. ❝ ... First one? ❞ Dov then asks, referring to the suit before stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jeans and lightly rolls back on his heels. 

𝐆𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐀 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐈.

location: Desiree Florist with: open @paristarters​ 

Merde. He’d been muttering the phrase under his breath from the very moment he switched on to the lights to the shop. Luca braced himself for the onslaught of orders that Julieta had failed to give him a heads up on, something he probably deserved after the last time he’d taken a day to himself in the middle of the busiest season. If this was to be his comeuppance then so be it, but today he was certainly feeling how it came at a price. Being the primary floral arranger wasn’t an issue on their slower days, but having to be the arranger as well as the main barista after an employee of theirs had called in sick? That was the kicker. 

The colder days seemed to drive in business from those trying to remember what the warmth of spring felt like, and if it wasn’t the florals they were certainly excited to warm up with a coffee or two from the adjoining cafe’. The man juggled two mugs in one hand and secured a pot filled with fresh flowers that needed to be tended to in the other. The sound of the bell ringing from the front door, a sign that another occupant had entered had him counting quietly in his mind as he tried not to drop everything onto the floor. Moving with finesse he managed to set the pot down and get the mugs where they needed to be. He could survive this, and leave a wordy text to Julieta later. “Welcome!” He beamed, turning to the person who had entered, despite the rising stress, he knew he had to be open, charming even. “Please take a look around and I’ll help you with your order in a moment, unless this is a preorder?” 

─── ˗ˏˋ ❍ ´ˎ˗ ───

Every couple of months Dov can be seen walking through the streets of Paris. It was the kind of cold day that encouraged the wearing of many layers, and it seemed to go on for so long that Dov has quite forgotten what his neighbours looked like under their beanies and scarf. Dov is quick to find shelter in a floral shop that he tries to visit every couple of months. With Hugo and Caroline happy on a play date with friends, it gave Dov the opportunity to make sometime too see his mother. And he never shows up on her doorstep empty handed. While shuffling into, it takes him no time to realize how the shop comes alive in the cascade of winter sun daylight.

He didn't even move an inch to take the damp soles of his Chelsea suede boots off the doormat when he was greeted by a warm welcome from elsewhere in the shop. ❝ Bonjour, ❞ Dov replies back while shuffling his feet dry and gives a gentle wave.  ❝ No. No preorder. ❞ He says quickly with the shake of his head. Dov has never filled out a preorder form in his life. He’s the type of person who would much rather pick out such items himself. Even though he knows guiding someone in what he wants is easy enough, and he doesn't mind an opinion or two, Dov has a particular image in his head of the bouquet he wants to gift his mother and he would much rather look himself.

❝ You can completely ignore me. You really look like you've got your hands full there. ❞ He says before eyes sway back to the wooden table of arrangements that have caught his attention. He noticed a vase that is beautiful in its simplicity. It allowed the flowers to take centre stage. They colours are so bold in the room, and all the more wonderful for it. ❝ Desiree Florist never disappoints, ❞ Dov says to himself in approval. It's not the first time he's been here, and certainly wouldn't be the last.

The flowers upon the table are fresh, some open and others in bud. Dov watches how the sunlight brings a brightness to each petal it touches and a shine upon the foliage of deepest green. They are a delicate shade of pink, yet the kind of colour that feels confident, proud to bring a radiance to the room. Upon nearing them they give a gentle aroma, one that brings summer to his imagination. Soon, though Dov is seeing these flowers in a vase, he conjures the meadows of mountains and valleys. 

It's funny how that happens, the smallest taste of nature and the mind calls for more.

❝ How much is this bouquet, plus the vase? ❞

un — THE CHARACTER

NAME: Dov Abrams

AGE: Forty-Two

BIRTHDAY: December 30, 1979

GENDER/PRONOUNS: Cis Male He/Him

OCCUPATION: Screen Writer / Film Producer

BIRTHPLACE: Seine-Saint-Denis – Paris, France

ARRONDISSEMENT: Élysée / 8th

LENGTH OF TIME IN PARIS: Since birth.

deux —  THEIR STORY

Trigger Warnings: drug addiction, overdose, car accident, death

When Linaëlle Abrams had just enough money in her pockets to not be deemed completely broke, she would take her only son to the bright streets of Paris to split a pastrami sandwich and a handful of American-styled cookies. They would ride their rusting bikes down to the riverbank and sit on the edge to feed ducklings’ oats and birdseed. There, beside the quiet river, Dov would fall asleep to the sound his mother reading a fantastical book. That’s what he remembers. That, and trying to cook and serve dinner loud enough to cover up the sound of his mother crying in her bedroom because she can’t afford to pay the electricity that month, and then stealing food from school in order to feed his hunger. Then, in the blink of an eye, he became a teenager that was used to overdoses in his living room. It wasn’t long before child services showed up at their door when Dov was fifteen years old to take him to another home. As scary as it could be living with his mother, he loved her, and she loved him, and he didn’t want to be taken away from the only person that he knew. In order to cope with not being able to see his mother and being placed in another dysfunctional home, Dov found himself immersed in book after book to ignore the arguments his foster parents had nightly. Having these books in the palms of his hands made him feel close to his mother who was, once upon a time, an author who put out a series of young adult fantasy novels that did incredibly well across Europe. Dove went to the library at every chance he could whenever he didn’t want to go back to his temporary home right away. He didn’t like the people he was staying with. They weren’t terrible people, per se, but the slap in the face was the fact that they were worse off than Dov’s own mother. They only took him and other kids in for the money to get their fix ; there were nights where he and the other kids went to bed hungry. The reason they were able to get away with it for so long as that they kept up a clean appearance. Being with them was aggravating, so he stayed away as much as possible.

Thing became a little easier as Dov started to integrate into high school. Still keeping mostly to himself, he made friends easily with his quiet disposition and good-natured smile. Though, he was never opposed to hanging out by himself at lunch or during a spare. These quiet moments allowed Dov to being writing. It came simply for him, the talent. Observing and jotting down whatever came to mind and whatever dark hazel eyes absorbed. With the help of his mother (that he would meet secretly) and his English teacher, Mr. Roth, Dov focused on his writing skills. Lucky enough to befriend someone who connections, Mr. Roth pushed a young Dov Abrams into getting his first job at a local television station when he was sixteen. It was a small station and nothing particularly special, but the experiences have Dov as taste on what his future could entail if he really wanted it. And he did. God, he did. He wanted a better life for himself. But mostly, for his mother, and the other boys he had befriended at the foster home. Dov was hellbent on creating a better life for the loved ones around him. For those who nurtured him when they could have turned their backs on him when he decided to be nothing but moody.

At the age of twenty-two, Dov left for a better job at another station that pushed him in the right direction on what he wanted to do. It was French production of films and television programs that gained notoriety internationally for the well-crafted, high-quality productions. After taking a year from school to gain more real-life experience before starting university and to be able to save up money, not only for himself, but for his mother, too. Whatever he received from his pay, half of it went to his mother. Sometimes, it was wasted on needles and more drugs or food not just for herself but shared amongst others who were also in their own battle with drugs.

During his time in university, Dov did exceptionally well which was no surprise for him. In his last two years, he made his own independent film projects that had become greatly regarded in the indie film world, and then plus the numerous of other projects he’s done with friends has gained him notoriety. In France, Dov made a name for himself overdue time. His big break came in the opportunity of developing into an international film producer when he was hired on for a massive project that juggled several high-star celebrities. For three and a half years Dov hit the ground running. It was a long, few years but with the help of his friends and the encouraging words of his mother, Dov made it work and got the job done better than he imagined in the first place. The film was a hit and broke blockbuster records across the board. That was two and a half years ago.

After a successful award season, Dov was ready to head back to France for a quiet summer. Though, not before going out with a bang in the form of celebrating with his childhood friends. Fast cars, loud music, and easy laughter. It was a good night. A great night. Until it very quickly wasn’t. The four friends were on their way back to their hotel when they were side swiped by a drunk driver that pushed them off the road and down a California cliff. Dov doesn’t remember anything past the rolling of the vehicle before everything went dark. When he awoke in the hospital, he was immediately informed that he and one other friend made it out alive, barley. Though, Adrianna and Fletcher Henderson, husband and wife and parents to two young children didn’t make it. They were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Fast forward a year and a half since the accident and Dov hasn’t been working. Instead, being the god parent of the two children who have lost their parents, is now the full-time guardian of Hugo and Caroline Henderson and God damn it they’re splitting reminders if their parents. He looks upon them with fondness and is doing his best to be that person that the children need. Unfortunately, being so wrapped up on becoming the perfect guardian to the siblings, Dov has forgotten to look past his own nose over the last year and a half. He has been struggling with being a legal guardian and falling into a depressive state from not being able to concentrate on his outlet of writing and working, Dov has seemingly pushed everyone else away without realizing it.

Tired and feeling talentless, Dov is waiting for something to push him into acceleration. For the time being, he’s willing to focus on the kids, though he knows he’s going to have to step it up a notch at some point. The question is: How long is he willing to wait for a sign?

trois — THEIR PERSONALITY

+ easy going, reliable, pragmatic

- temperamental, despondent, perfectionist

PORTRAYED BY JAS.