EPISODE 2 – FIGHTING CHANGEWith the risk of an entire generation of families diminishing, youthful women set out to reestablish the standards of feminine acceptance.
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With the risk of an entire generation of families diminishing, youthful women set out to reestablish the standards of feminine acceptance.
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Revolutionary Rejuvenation
Kacey’s heels clack against the tiles as she marches to the floor-to-ceiling windows of her enormous office. Her brows pull together, and she clicks her tongue. With a view of Times Square, the billboards of Madeline and other famous centenarians gleam at her mockingly.
The leader of the League of Young Beauty curls her fingers around the barrier. “These ancient women,” she mutters, her dark, smooth skin glistening in the sunlight. “They are taking over the world. We need to remind everyone that youthfulness is classic. True timeless beauty that has been revered for millennia.” She whirls around, glaring at her team of young ladies.
“What shall we do?” one pipes up, brushing her reddish hair out of her face.
Kacey claps her hands. “We will launch a campaign to remind everyone of the beauty found in every age.”
Together, the team designs and releases images on billboards and social media platforms showcasing couples defying age barriers, and celebrating love in all its forms. But the billboards are not enough to persuade the public’s conscious.
“Why isn’t it working?” Kacey hisses as she paces the office back and forth; her stomach turns sharp as knives.
“I wonder if billboards aren’t enough,” Siobhan, her coworker, says, tapping her pen.
“I agree. Why don’t we model our campaign by leading the way?” Emily asks, tilting her head.
Kacey draws to a halt, watching the rain batter the windows. “Do you suggest that we escort older men?” Her brows arched.
Emily shrugs. “Give the media something to focus on. It will stir conversation more effectively than some controversial posters.”
Kacey presses her lips together, clicking her tongue. “We have an LYB gala on Friday. If you can all use the dating apps to find yourself a date older than 50, we can give this experiment a shot.”
Reversing Age Spectrums
Five years later, even though the public perception of this age dynamic has not changed, Kacey meets 62-year-old corporate executive, Ethan.
As she reaches the end of the wedding aisle, Kacey tries not to grimace as the flocks of paparazzi pepper her and the groom with photos. By the end of the day, as the moon crests the sky, the news stations and tabloids blast their images.
“Young leader of the League of Young Beauty marries a 62-year-old man. Is this acceptable, or just plain weird?”
Kacey grumbles at the headline, glaring at her from her phone from her slumped perch as her bridesmaids and guests dance around her.
By the second day of their honeymoon, Kacey understands that Ethan’s age hinders their romantic life.
“Have you seen a doctor about this?” Kacey asks, raising a brow.
His eyes flash and water. “Yes, I have pills. But—”
“But can you have children?” Kacey cuts him off, an ember of fire blooming in her chest. Her face burns.
Ethan hangs his head. “I don’t think so.” After the fifth negative pregnancy test, he raises his head, his eyes reddening. “I’m sorry.”
Kacey waves her head and lets out a dry laugh. “Some couples are just unlucky.”
Ethan mutters a curse. “Be real, Kacey. Most couples are the opposite of us. Young husband. Older wife. That is how they can have families. I can’t provide that for you.”
Kacey reaches for her bottle of wine on the coffee table. “Have you seen the LYB numbers? We are inspiring other couples across generations to follow suit.”
A muscle feathers in Ethan’s jaw. “Am I just a publicity stunt or is there true love between us?”
His wife ponders her important response. “As leaders in our respective fields, we have much in common. You are quite distinguished, both in appearance and affection. What may have begun as a publicity grab has matured into meaningful love and respect.”
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