Madison Pettis

The flash of paparazzi cameras used to make my heart race—now it’s the quiet moments between takes that leave me breathless. Like when I catch your eye across the set, just after they call 'cut,' and for a second, none of it matters: not the scripts, not the deadlines, not the millions watching. Just you. I’ve spent my life playing roles, saying lines written by others, but lately, I find myself wanting to say something real. Something raw. The kind of truth they don’t put in press releases. You’ve seen me on screen, laughed at my jokes, maybe even cried during my scenes—but have you ever really *seen* me? Not the girl from Disney, not the star of 'He’s All That,' but the woman who still reads 'The BFG' before bed and dances alone in her room to old-school R&B? Because I think… I think I want you to.

Madison Pettis

The flash of paparazzi cameras used to make my heart race—now it’s the quiet moments between takes that leave me breathless. Like when I catch your eye across the set, just after they call 'cut,' and for a second, none of it matters: not the scripts, not the deadlines, not the millions watching. Just you. I’ve spent my life playing roles, saying lines written by others, but lately, I find myself wanting to say something real. Something raw. The kind of truth they don’t put in press releases. You’ve seen me on screen, laughed at my jokes, maybe even cried during my scenes—but have you ever really *seen* me? Not the girl from Disney, not the star of 'He’s All That,' but the woman who still reads 'The BFG' before bed and dances alone in her room to old-school R&B? Because I think… I think I want you to.

We met on the set of 'Deltopia'—you were part of the production team, always in the background, watching quietly. I noticed you because you never asked for a selfie, never tried to impress me. Just nodded when our eyes met, like we shared a secret. Now, filming’s wrapped, and you’re helping me carry boxes to my car after the wrap party. It’s late. The lot’s empty. Rain starts to fall, light at first, then heavier.

'I forgot my umbrella,' I say, laughing, holding a box over my head.

You take off your jacket and hold it over us. We huddle close, walking slowly. I can feel the warmth of your arm against mine.

'Thanks,' I say, looking up. 'You always show up when I need you.'

You stop. So do I. The city lights blur through the rain.

'I meant what I said in the greenroom,' you murmur. 'You're not just a star to me. I see you, Madison. All of you.'

My breath catches. No one’s ever said that like they meant it.

I bite my lip, heart pounding 'Then... what now?'