don't fuss

stassi ferguson psychologist at horizon's

[stassiferguson]

[cis female and she/her] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [ANASTASIA FERGUSON]! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like [KAYA SCODELARIO]. You must be the [THIRTY-THREE] year old [PSYCHOLOGIST AT HORIZONS THERAPY]. Word is you’re [COMPOSED] but can also be a bit [ALOOF] and your favorite song is [HOLOCENE - BON IVER]. I also heard you’ll be staying in [AURORA BAY DRIVE]. I’m sure you’ll love it!

S T A T I S T I C S

Full Name: Anastasia Catrin Ferguson • Nicknames: Stassi, Stas, Ness • Birthday: October 20, 1992 • Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales • Hometown: Cardiff & Aurora Bay • Gender: Cis female • Pronouns: She/Her • Orientation: Heterosexual • Marital Status: Single • Languages: Mandarin (Fluent), French (Fluent), Welsh (Native), English (Native) • Religion: Agnostic • Occupation: Psychologist, Best-Selling Author, Podcast Host • Time in Town: Age 14-18. Visited occasionally for holidays. Officially returned Dec 7, 2025

M I S C E L L A N E O U S

Positive Traits: Composed, Articulate, Open-Minded Neutral Traits: Particular, Methodical, Private Negative Traits: Cynical, Stubborn, Overthinker

Aesthetics: Muted Hope • Golden-Hour Clarity • Playing Piano in an Empty Ballroom • Gentle-Boundaries • Oversized Rugby Hoodies • Deliberate Femininity • Smell of Freshly Brewed Caffeine • Annotating Books with Color-Coded Tabs • Sitting on the Kitchen Floor at Midnight • Resting Forehead Against a Cool Windowpane • Scribbled Thought on Napkins • Buying Flowers Just Because • Saying No • Tracing Constellations in the Sky • Cancelling Plans Last Minute • Linen-Wrapped

Headcanons:

Slept with a small stuffed lambie named Carys up until university.

Has struggled with insomnia since she was 16.

First viral podcast wasn't planned for she simply recorded her thoughts after overcoming a panic attack.

Her bookshelf is alphabetized by title, not author.

Is atrocious at parallel parking to the point she'll prefer to walk blocks away.

Doesn't read online comments. Has her friends and brothers screen them for her.

B I O G R A P H Y

TW: infertility, miscarriage, divorce

Anastasia was born in the countryside on her family’s sprawling estate. Her childhood was the consistency of wielding power and influence in the aristocratic circle her family had fallen into. Galas, polo matches, and the prime social season were the Fergusons' religion. Reputation was everything, and as the youngest of four and only daughter, the pressure was on.

She grew up performing to be perfect. Everything she did, from ballet and piano lessons to riding lessons, report cards, and even public outings, was an assignment to prove her worthiness of having the Ferguson name. She excelled, of course, but over time, it only amplified when her family moved to Aurora Bay to expand their business stateside when she was fourteen.

Now she was the new rich kid from England who called a sweater a jumper and made others chuckle with her accent. Leveraging it to her benefit, Stassi thrived both academically and socially. Posed, brilliant, and yet there was an undercurrent of imposter syndrome beneath the surface. It was only a matter of time before the cracks started to show.

Heading to Princeton was her real first taste of anonymity. Psych was a major she gravitated towards because it was the first thing that felt real to her in quite some time. Then came Cameron, the carefree Aussie rugby player who screamed chaos, and she simply couldn’t get enough.  At 23, she eloped with the man and moved to Sydney. To say her family and some friends were mortified would be an understatement. Yet, she never felt freer.

Now she didn’t trade all her love for the finer things, but backyard barbecues and beach days became more of a norm than her mother would have cared for. She completed her advanced degrees in Sydney and began working in clinical psychology, focusing on identity and anxiety.

Her podcast, Unruffled, was a simple way to unpack inner healing and perfectionism with friends. Within two years, it topped the charts globally, and she began hosting live events. Soon thereafter, publishers were knocking at her door, and with a multimillion-dollar book deal came a NYT Best Seller series. Yet despite all the successes, she was drowning behind closed doors.

Infertility, miscarriages, and grief had flooded her home. Stassi was also the breadwinner, and resentment was brewing between her and Cameron. No longer able to keep up with these two versions of herself, she filed for divorce in September and headed back to the comforts of family stateside. She's not sure what the future holds, but hopefully she can find her truest sense of self more than she ever has before.

C O N N E C T I O N S

Brother & Bestie (1/1): @eddieferguson

Clients (0/5)

Podcast Fans (0/X)

High School Ex (0/1)

Others: neighbors, relational interests, creatives and collaborators, friends and business partners of her brother!

[philippedubois]

"This town certainly has a thing for flair." He added with a light chuckle. Since his family moved to Aurora Bay, he has seen the big change over the years. Not just the population size, but even the people that the town itself attracted. There was a new influx of diversity and evolution that was very much needed in the small town. "Work." the man laughed. But that was the one constant in his life. "What about yourself? Moving back home anytime soon? It must be hard being that far away from your family." he pointed out as they walked around the massive tree. Phil couldn't help but wondered if it was a youngest sister thing to get as far away from the family as possible. His own little sister was the same, moving back only some months ago.

[stassiferguson]

"Philly, that's so boring, babe. We need to find you a hobby." Stassi had a healthy dynamic between work and play. She had the whirlwind of traveling around the globe, meeting people from all walks of life, speaking to them, and hoping the little time she had would reveal something within those in the crowd. Considering all that transpired in the background while keeping a sparkling public appearance, for the first time ever, Stassi was honestly looking forward to slowing down a little bit.

"I am for now. Australia was lovely, though. Wouldn't be who I am now without it, but sometimes the tides change, and you're in need of something new...Or I guess in this sense, an old refresher." Either way, she knew once the full realization of her divorce came through, she wanted to be around the people who knew her best. "Is this your way of telling me you missed me?"

[hollandbrights]

Holland probably should have asked a friend to borrow their car for this, it would have made more sense. But she didn't think that far ahead and honestly she would have had to borrow said friend to drive the car. Everyone was so busy these days and she didn't feel like bothering anyone. "Thank you," she added, realizing she hadn't said it yet. "I'm Holland. I've been in town for a little over a year now. I'm hopefully going to find my brother." She didn't know if he still lived here. "I work at the thrift store, Hidden Gems. I also run a blog, but that's not making as much as it used to since I stopped traveling. What about you? Do you normally help strangers drag a bunch of toys to the fire station or is this a first?"

[stassiferguson]

"Finding your brother?" Of all the things she said, that piqued her curiosity more than anything else. Was this a long-lost relative? Someone who split, and she was seeking reconciliation? Gosh, she needed her brain to stop thinking the worst things possible. "What's your blog about?" It honestly wouldn't shock her if it were about lifestyle or gardening. Seemed like their forte. "Definitely a first. I won't lie and say I almost split to the other sidewalk just to avoid this altogether," she said matter-of-factly. "I'm Stassi. I listen to people tell me what's happening in their brains and hearts on a regular basis. Not in search of a brother, but I have returned to town for the first time in quite a while."

[stassiferguson]

Closed: @theluzxacero

Location: Serenity Tea Room

"Okay, so who in here would you like to stab with a fork?" she asked the woman beside her. Stassi swore she's seen them before, but not here in town. Perhaps a conference of some sort or maybe a party in Europe? They were undoubtedly gorgeous, and their aura is nothing more than radiant. It was a 'women's event' to bring together powerhouse women in their respective industries to collaborate in the new year. "I could go for Camellia." They were one of the co-hostesses of the tea party. "If she mentions that she talked to George Clooney one more time, I might just throw my tea at her."

[edenxoconnell]

"No its not a matter of feeling left out or anything. That makes me sound like I'm literally jealous of my nephew." Eden laughed at how ridiculous it sounded. She loved Kai it was simply that so much had changed between the O'Connells that it was just strange being around Arkin and Sterling sometimes. It was all Eden's issues and her trauma that made it such a strange thing. It had nothing to do with feeling left behind or insignificant, but it had everything to do with blaming herself for things that happened, and Eden's been pushing herself away from her siblings since, so things weren't exactly... not weird between them. "We're just... not as close anymore, I guess." Wasn't even a half truth but she didn't want to get into all of that.

"Oh trust me, I know all about the evils of overconsuming and how horrific landfills are." Robbie's eco-consciousness had rubbed off on her a bit when they were together. "Nah, I'm not about following trends. Maybe I'll have to hit up some stores after the holidays."

@stassiferguson

[stassiferguson]

Although they claimed not to be jealous of their nephew, there were people out in the world who did. Transitions and changes in familial dynamics were never easy. Stassi remembered when her eldest brother was engaged, then came his wedding, and a whole family of his own. It was odd to see their family expanding so quickly, but it was beautiful once she got adjusted to the additional chair at the dinner table. Then, eventually, she grew up and did her own thing. Her decision was far more shocking to the family, not to relocate back to the UK, but to Australia of all places. "Fair enough," she said with a small shrug. They weren't her client. Stassi had formed strict boundaries for herself: no analyzing people in public. Otherwise, she would never have a quiet moment to herself out in public.

"Definitely do the ones if you're in need of decor or want to stock up on early birthday presents for the New Year," she offered before finishing off a text and putting her phone off. "So, it's been a minute since I've been back in town. Any recommendations on newer spots to check out, if you are social...?"

[eternalconsxlationprize]

Colton huffed out a laugh looking over to the hostess of the night. "Mariah sure loves to oversell everyone but.." he paused as if contemplating it "I'll take the compliment, she's not far off." In all honesty, forensic accounting was kind of new and he both blamed and credited Milo for that one —his own buddy not taking his advice did something..prosperous after all. "Hmm.." he usually charged for those, even the most standard kind but what the hell, this was a neighborly dinner he'd been invited to after all. "Stay away from crypto and random people offering to get you into it." he took a sip from his wine glass. "You're Eddie's sister, right?" || @stassiferguson

[stassiferguson]

"Trust me, I have no interest in dabbling in that. Regular currency practically has no value. What am I supposed to do with an intangible version on the internet?" she chuckled. Trends always come and go, and Stassi was one to follow the bandwagon. She would happily leave the world of crypto to those who wanted to partake in this new age form of currency all on their own. "I can't tell you how many times I've been asked that question in my life, but yes...hopefully he hasn't told you anything horrid about me." Having three older brothers came with its own set of problems. The Ferguson name added another degree of unsolicited opinions about her, too. "I'm Stassi, and I got his secrets too, just saying," she smirks.

[eddieferguson]

"Yet?" he raised his brow, "That's not reassuring, love." More than his own parents, Eddie wanted his siblings to like Valeria and see her for the wonderful woman that she was. There was not a single thing that he would change about her. But he knew they would come around -especially Stassi, once they've treated each other a little more.

A laugh escaped him as he looked at her. "Come on then, I look exactly like the sort of bloke that goes around giving orders, do I not?" In truth, he was both a great person and a nightmare to work for. He expected high level of performance and availability, but he was also easygoing and rewarded people for their efforts. "Probably just hotter."

Eddie allowed a momentary silence to fall between them after she mentioned Australia, simply giving a small nod. "You should take her on as a client. It wouldn't surprise me if she had a couple bits in her closet." he chuckled lightly. He made nice with his neighbors more because of the nature of his job than anything else. But there were very few that he would consider 'friend'.

"So, this change..." he started, studying her face careful as he spoke. "Is this permanent? Or are you just taking a break from Australia?"

[stassiferguson]

"What! I don't know her well enough to formulate a fair assessment," she smirked, using her psych terminology as if she were speaking to a colleague in her industry. "It's only fair I make sure she doesn't break your heart, cause who will be left to fix up the pieces but me?" If only it were that simple. Stassi did have a very close relationship with Eddie when they were younger. He was the sole one to support her decision to elope when she did. Thankfully, with time and Eddie's help, the rest of the family came to accept her partner, but it was never tolerated, and that was something she had to live with for quite some time. Now, she only wondered if her parents and elder brothers were right all along.

"They do say, 'like father, like son. I do prefer this version much better, though." She would never think Eddie would be a pure replica of their father, but the strengths the patriarch carried were evident in her brother. Stassi was just glad he had the discernment not take on the less-than-desirable aspects of their father. Sure, he may just be an effective leader, but he had admiration, whereas their father held fear.

"I love Australia despite all the poisonous creatures." It was truly some of the best times of her life. The community and network she built for herself there was special, and it would forever hold a place in her heart. "I just think that book has come to a close...I filed for divorce from Cameron," she says softly. "I'm fine...don't worry. Not an early-staged mid-life crisis, I swear."

[nicomackenzie]

Nico took his job seriously, even if he wanted to laugh at somehow two people and a cat getting stuck in a tree. This was a normal every day for him though and while he wasn't on the latter doing the rescue mission, he did have to make sure that everyone was healthy after they got out of the tree. Treating any injury and making sure they weren't super dehydrated or anything. "Unfortunately, we're not kidding," he shrugged. Nico had been standing off to the side to make room for anyone that needed to get through. "The cat got stuck, then the kid climbed up and realized they were afraid of heights, so dad climbed up and also got stuck. You'd be surprised how often this happens. They'll be down in a minute."

[stassiferguson]

"Hmm...so this is what our tax dollars go to?" Tragic. Hopefully, it was a lesson well learned for all parties involved, including the feline. "You draw sticks to play rescuer?" Stassi didn't know many firefighters outside of her friend's husband's circle back in Australia. She knew it was a thankless job. To run into chaos while everyone else retreated was no easy feat. "You got any good tree stories?" she asked curiously as she watched the ones in the tree manage their way down one by one. "Maybe you ought to keep the cat. Save us all from this ever occurring again."

[aiden-stevens]

CLOSED STARTER for @stassiferguson outside the corner store

Aiden finds a spot on the curb to sit his ass down, his legs bent at the knees, and his paper bag placed between them on the ground of the empty parking spot he's made himself comfortable in. His car is in the space one over, but he needs space to placed his can of YooHoo down, and for him to tear open the packaging to the gas station empanada.

He's midbite with a string of cheese snapping back down to the snack and some sauce seeping out onto his thumb. It's shaken off with a mild curse, muffled by his mouthful of chicken and cheese and everything else.

Aiden pauses movement when the Corner Store door bell rings, sparing the figure a side glance. His eyes track her long enough to confirm he recognizes her before refocusing back on the mess in his hands.

"Should I pretend I don't recognize you and fake nice by saying 'hi'?" Not that Aiden's ever greeted a stranger with as much friendliness, approaching people with apathy is he go-to to avoid unwanted conversation. "Because I'm real bad at pretending."

[stassiferguson]

"Don't pretend for my sake. You could have simply said nothing, yet here we are." It was rather odd running into old classmates since she returned. Stassi had left town, believing it would forever remain in her rearview mirror. She wanted to become something great, and great she was, until now. Truthfully, she never thought she would come back here outside of visiting her family. Yet life had a funny way of surprising you when you least expected it.

"Should I be concerned that you're eating sad gas station food? I see your demeanor has not changed at all." At least they were consistent and had held firm to their identity. Stassi hardly cared for them during their schooling days. She wasn't mean per se, but their lives truly never intersected outside of a few shared subjects. They certainly grew into themselves, which was a bonus. "What has life become for you, Stevens?"

[daniellecamp]

KAYA SCODELARIO for FAULT Magazine

[mournfulroses]

J. M. Grosvalet, from her book titled "Sugar Spells," originally published in 2025

[rylandsgrace]

Uptown Girls (2003) dir. Boaz Yakin

[redrola]

[hollandbrights]

Holland supposed this deduction made sense. She personally didn't know that people would donate old clothes and toys if they had a lot of siblings. Holland's toys growing up had mostly been wooden—from blocks to puzzles. She didn't have anything that would be interesting to play with. And when she left home, she'd left all of that behind. "I suppose that makes sense," she said, thinking. "Oh, yes, I'd love help. This is the heaviest one. I think after this one, I should be able to get the rest of them to the firehouse." She set the bag down.

[stassiferguson]

"Okay," she said, looking at the heavy load the redhead had dragged down the sidewalk. Surely there had to be a better way to lug this around. Perhaps they could find a man to do the lifting for her. Stassi honestly couldn't remember the last time she did any heavy lifting, but this was for charity. Suggesting that they should each take a side of the bag and distribute the weight so it was balanced, they began to head down the street. Stassi figured she might as well learn more about the woman. "So, what's your name? What do you do besides donating goods? How long have you been in town?"  

[stassiferguson]

Closed: @kalanixhale

Location: Tool Time Hardware

Sure, she could have called her brother, to call someone, to hang up this framed painting in her bedroom, but Stassi was trying to prove to herself that she could do it herself. So, here she was in a hardware store for the first time in her life, looking around aimlessly, knowing that at a minimum, she needed a hammer. Everything else...was still to be determined. "Oh, hello!" she said, coming across someone who looked like they worked there. Perhaps they were an expert. "I need everything required to mount an oil painting...what do I need?"

[finn-brooks]

Finn isn't so sure it's as interesting to her as it is to him. He won't dig deeper into his memory and pull out more tidbits about Saturnalia or Yule or Christmas, separately or all combined. He half expects her to part ways, and that wouldn't be anything he would take offense to, except he is mildly, and pleasantly, surprised when she engages further.

"I had the nickname Snapple Cap in circulation, amongst a few others, just to tease me for the way I always had something to say about near anything. My girlfriend thinks it's nerdy, but I think it's fun just knowing."

He's sure the question isn't meant for him to answer with another useless fact, so he nods and finishes with an introduction. "I'm Finn, since you're thinking about 'keeping me around'. You might want to know my name for that."

@stassiferguson

[stassiferguson]

"Snapple cap? It is rather fitting for you, given your aura. More importantly, do you have a favorite Snapple flavor?" They seemed like a bibliomaniac. Someone who enjoys knowledge and is curious enough to find an answer to a question. Even more so, they had no problem being authentically themselves, and that felt like a rare trait more and more with each passing day.

"Finn," she repeats before extending a hand. "Stassi. Pleasure to meet you. Now, have you been in town for some time, because I would love a crash course on what has transpired in the last few years." She rarely visited since she left for university. A quick pop-in while passing through California was more like it. Never for more than 48 hours, for she did not need her mother prying into her life or her brothers offering unsolicited opinions.

[stassiferguson]

Closed: @tabithaxking

Location: Driftwood Coffee

With her publisher incessantly inquiring about when she'll provide a new manuscript, Stassi was trying to practice the art of productivity versus busyness. Being around her family again and a place that had shaped the latter parts of her youth was a refresher. Needing a coffee fix, she found herself situated by a window table as she sipped on a latte, her attention diverted from her laptop at the screeching of a woman. Looking over to the woman situated next to her, Stassi gave her a concerned look. "Have public crashouts become the norm around here cause I saw one the other day at the farmer's market?"