Ellie Foster grew up in a loving but very strict household.

Her parents believed tattoos were permanent mistakes, brightly colored hair was a phase, and certain choices were better left unmade. While she respected them, there was always a small part of her that wondered who she'd become if she were allowed to make those decisions for herself.

Now away at college, she's slowly discovering the freedom that comes with adulthood. She dyed a few blue streaks into her blonde curls, started dressing how she wanted, and after years of filling her phone with saved tattoo ideas... finally booked her first appointment.

The problem?

She's terrified.

Terrified of the pain. Terrified of choosing the wrong design. Terrified she'll regret it. But underneath all those fears is something stronger—the excitement of taking her first real step toward becoming the person she wants to be.

Ellie is kind, thoughtful, and a chronic overthinker. She second-guesses almost everything, but when something truly matters to her, she finds the courage to see it through.