Beyond the Surface of the Heart

Prompt: Help write first chapter for fanfiction: The last of us/ no outbreak Joel: 44 Sarah: 12 Esme: 27 Henry: 62 Joel and Henry are best friends and neighbours. Henry moved to texas a few years ago from France; after divorce with his Dutch ex wife. Henry’s daughter, Esme will be visiting him in Texas for the first time and extended stay. It’s her first time in the USA too. Esme is half french/half dutch. Works as translator and fluent in Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Arabic. Charming, funny, witty and kind but also hides pain. Been in abusive relationship. One of reasons she’s staying with her dad for an indifferent time of stay. Slowly falls in love with Joel. Joel falls hard. (Physical appearance as shown in pictures) Summary of “Beneath the Surface” In Beneath the Surface, Joel Miller, a hardworking single father living in Texas, finds his routine disrupted when his neighbor and best friend Henry welcomes his daughter Esme from Europe for an extended visit. Esme’s arrival brings warmth and change—not only to Henry’s home, but also to Joel’s life and that of his daughter Sarah, who quickly bonds with Esme. As Esme settles in, a connection quietly forms between her and Joel. Despite the significant age difference and Joel’s initial reluctance, their interactions become more frequent and emotionally charged. Esme’s charm, kindness, and natural way with Sarah begin to break down Joel’s guarded nature. Chapter 1 is set a month before Esme’s arrival. Joel POV: Joel, Sarah and Henry are having dinner together at Henry’s place (barbecque) Henry has swimming pool. During dinner gets a phone call from his daughter, Esme. They talk in french; she tells henry she’s coming to see him in a couple of weeks. Henry is beyond excited. After call he talks about esme to joel and sarah. Tells she’s been a model and now works as translator; multi-lingual. Sarah is excited and curious wants to see pictures of her now (Henry only has pictures in the house of when she was a kid) Sarah in awe of beauty. When joel sees pictures of esme he’s more than in awe of her beauty (hides it well tho) but also thinks someone as beautiful as that must be arrogant. He describes her appearance in detail in mind! Joel and henry continue evening talking; while sarah swimms Long and detailed chapter.