#ft. josie stattler

[shorelinedreaams]

CHARACTER INFORMATION —

Faceclaim: Rebecca Rittenhouse

Full Name: Josephine "Josie" Stattler

DOB & Age: September 22 + 34

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Gender & Pronouns: She/Her

Occupation: School Social Worker

Neighborhood: Jackson Hill

Length of Residency: Whole Life

3 Positive Traits: Genuine, Passionate, & Resourceful

3 Negative Traits: Indecisive, Reactive, & Restless

INTRODUCTION —

Trigger Warnings: Mention of cancer and death

Josephine "Josie" Stattler grew up in Woodside, Michigan, a tight-knit town where life was predictable and steeped in tradition. As the daughter of Anson Stattler, the town’s charismatic mayor, Josie often felt the weight of public life. Her mother, Elizabeth, offered a quieter presence, managing their home and volunteering in the community, creating a perfect balance between the two.

Josie was the middle child, caught between her high-achieving older brother Thomas, who was a lawyer like their father, and her free-spirited younger sister Claire, who moved to Chicago to pursue graphic design. Josie didn't quite fit either mold; she was intelligent, empathetic, and driven to help others, which led her to study social work at the University of Michigan.

At Michigan, Josie met Ryan Matthews, her college sweetheart. He was kind, funny, and shared her passion for helping others. After graduation, they got engaged, and Josie envisioned a bright future with him. They married in a small ceremony at her childhood home, but just three months later, Ryan was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The months that followed were filled with hospital visits and treatments, but Josie clung to hope until Ryan passed away just before her 32nd birthday. The loss shattered her, altering the course of her life.

Instead of confronting her grief, Josie immersed herself in work. She returned to Woodside and began her career as a social worker at the town hospital. Later, she transitioned to the school district, where she focused on helping troubled children. Although her work was fulfilling, it also served as a distraction from the pain of her loss.

At 34, Josie still lives in Woodside, but life feels off. The town that once felt like home now seems confining. She continues to grapple with her grief and doubts whether she will ever be able to love again. While work, friends, and her students keep her distracted, Josie knows she has been avoiding her healing process. Living alone in a cozy house outside of town, she often escapes into nature or takes aimless drives to clear her mind. Unsure of her future—whether to stay in Woodside or start fresh—she is determined to find her way.

MISCELLANEOUS —

Loves spending time outside, taking long walks through the woods or along the lakeshore to clear her head.

Writing in her journal is a way to process her thoughts, especially when life feels overwhelming.

Regularly volunteers at local shelters or community events, even though she keeps a low profile.

Loves doing small projects around her house, from re-decorating to creating handmade gifts for friends and family.

Drinks hot tea at least twice a day, especially in the evenings when she wants to wind down.

Adores dogs and often stops to pet any dog she sees while on her walks around town.

Despite the grief and loss, Josie has always imagined having a family of her own. She doesn’t know if she’ll ever be ready to love again, but it’s something she thinks about often.

Her lemon lavendar cookies are a go-to comfort food, and she’s known for giving them out as gifts.

Even though their relationship is complicated, Josie feels a deep connection to her father, Anson. She’s proud of him but also frustrated by his political career.

A sucker for the occasional romance novel when she needs an escape.

[gaucheried]

‎ "intentionality," he echoes. she sounds like one of the counselors at the treatment facility in augusta. but probably with a little less pessimism. "also, people talk about 'cheating' their resolutions like they're being naughty, like... you can't cheat on the rules you set for yourself, ma'am. the whole thing is just so stupid." he scoffs, shaking his head with an incredulous regard at how bored people can be sometimes to start making their own problems. "you gonna go on any spicy adventures this year, then?" curious if josie's got any plans. yes, that sounds like a better term than fucking resolutions. at josie's question about his work, he smiles—not because work is really anything to smile about, other than just being grateful that he's been... well, not jobless for the past eight years, but the question just tickled amusement in him for some reason. "i make pizzas, josie. it's always gonna be the same everytime you ask." neither good nor bad, but he appreciates her asking nonetheless. "but maybe one of these days i'll set something on fire, then i'll have a story for ya."

Josie sank onto the bench, her eyes briefly drifting to the Pomeranian that regarded her with an almost haughty gaze before curling up on the floor in a dramatic display of indifference. She fought the urge to roll her eyes. God, I can't wait to be rid of that little rat. As Sasha continued to talk, Josie found herself nodding along, her thoughts aligning with Sasha's. "Oh, I get it," she said with a chuckle. "It's a strange way of selling people something to make them feel better about themselves—for, what, a week? Maybe two?" She had long since learned to steer clear of the vapid trends and viral sensations that consumed so many. "I think each year should be a conscious effort to grow and evolve, you know? Intentionality—that’s the key." Her voice softened slightly as she spoke, almost as if she were reminding herself as much as she was reminding Sasha. "Throw in some spice, some adventure, and then just call it a day." That was the only way she could navigate the relentless march of time. "How's work been?"

[addiewalsh]

With Addison's family being in Politics she knew most people, and by people she meant the other Politicians her father had introduced her and her siblings to when they were young. Josie and her family were some of those people. Coming to Woodside one year as a child, she knew of the Stattler family. Her father James Walsh, the Mayor of Fort Worth was friends with Anson Stattler. They'd come back to Woodside in the Summers for events and there was Josie. Someone who Addison could play with other than her sister Cassidy. As they grew up and lost touch, it was no surprise that Josie was still living in town. When Addison and her husband moved here eight years ago, it was nice to see a familiar face. Once reconnecting, Addison realized it was like they never separated.

She was meeting Josie for coffee this morning, trying to clear her mind. Things within Addison's personal life was a mess and Addie needed to vent. Once the brunette walked into Aleria Bakery and Cafe, the women spotted Josie half asleep at the table. Taking a deep breath, Addison raised her eyebrows at the blonde and sat across from her "Jos, come on. You're half asleep. " Was all Addison could say, taking a sip of her coffee, Addison bit down on her lips "I need to tell you something, that's why I wanted to meet up this morning. If you're too tired though by all means go home and get some sleep for the both of us, please." Addie let out a laugh and then shook her head "What's goin on Josie? I'm worried."

WHO: @addiewalsh

WHERE: Aleria Bakery & Cafe

Josie slumped in the corner booth of the bakery, her head resting on her propped elbow as she fought the pull of exhaustion. She hadn’t slept in days, her body worn down by the weight of endless responsibilities and grief she hadn’t allowed herself to confront. Absentmindedly, her free hand curled around her coffee mug, but the warmth did little to ease the cold heaviness in her chest. She barely noticed when someone sat down across from her. “I’m fine,” Josie muttered, the words coming out automatically. She didn’t want to admit how much she was struggling, how the pressure of being the mayor’s daughter, her job, and her lingering sadness was wearing her thin. She didn’t know how to let go or stop pretending. But for a moment, just being here, not alone in this space, was enough.

[gaucheried]

‎ "ooh, sounds fun." his family was comfortable. which might be the kind of thing someone who comes from money would say, someone had once told him, but he'd never really thought of themselves as rich, per se. so when he thinks about people like the mayor and his family, he can't help but imagine something like a richie rich scenario, parties swathed in luxury and opulence. which might beg the question of where that money comes from (uh, taxes?) but he wants to think that they're not that kind of people. sucking air through his teeth at her question, "i don't believe in new year's resolutions," he's almost embarrassed to admit, mostly because he could never follow through. "i dunno, it just feels a little bit... fake, i guess?" he shrugs. "no hate to people who wanna do that, that sounds fantastic. but lists make me nervous." even if the list is really more just promises than a tangible to-do list. "how 'bout you?"

Josie tilted her head slightly, a wry smile curling her lips at the mention of Die Hard. "Ah, the classics," she said, her voice dry but tinged with amusement. "Nothing says Christmas like explosions and hostage situations." She paused, gripping the leash of the feisty pup a little tighter. Although she wasn’t the type to overshare, Sasha knew her well enough to recognize the effort. "We always had our own traditions, but now it’s the big parties and fancy dinners." They used to enjoy breakfast for dinner and watch movies until midnight. It was simple, but it felt genuine. "So yes, the mayor's party was its usual grand event: too much noise and too many people." It was all in good fun, though—she wasn’t entirely a Scrooge. "Any New Years resolutions for you?"

[gaucheried]

‎ "suit yourself." he's convinced, like any other proud son who's got a mom with mad baking skills, that stella grimm makes the best cookies in the world, but he knows not everyone is a cookie person. some people are more into blondies (which he's pretty sure are just square, chewy cookies without the chocolate chips) or brownies or just don't like pastries at all. he hasn't figured out under what category josie falls into yet. or maybe she's just not in the mood for any? either way, he helps himself to one, as if to prove that they're harmless in case that's where her worry lies. "oh, sure you did. i bet the mayor throws a kickass christmas party." or, at least, an expensive one. "i watched christmas movies with my nephew. and by christmas movies i mean all the five die hards. it's kind of a holiday tradition."

"Oh no, I'm fine. But thanks for offering, Sash." Somehow, Josie found herself entrusted with her grandmother’s dog, Millie, for the week while her grandparents went on a holiday cruise. Millie, a tiny Pomeranian with the sass of a diva, had already made it clear that she wasn’t particularly fond of being ignored, and Josie was counting the hours until she could hand the demanding little creature back.

"I did?" Josie blinked, not entirely sure how to answer. Holidays with the Stattlers were always a whirlwind. While Josie appreciated the gesture, the overwhelming togetherness, the endless stream of questions, and the unspoken judgments about her life choices had a way of draining her. By the end, she felt as though they viewed her more as a project than as a family member. She shrugged, trying to shake off the thought. "What about you? What did you do?"