𝓔𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓼𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮
ʰᵉᵃᵛᵉⁿ ʰᵃʳᵗ

The sun hung lazily in the afternoon sky, casting a warm glow over the park as Elena and Heaven strolled down the path, each clutching a brightly colored slushy. The vibrant red and blue swirls in their cups shimmered in the light, condensation dripping onto their fingers.

They found a bench under a shady oak tree and sat down, the sound of children laughing and birds chirping filling the air. Elena took a long sip of her slushy, the tart flavor of cherry hitting her tongue.

"I forgot how good these are," she said, holding up her cup.

Heaven grinned. "Right? I haven't had one in forever. We used to get these all the time when we were kids."

Elena nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, back when our biggest problem was deciding between blue raspberry or cherry."

"Simple times," Heaven said with a wistful sigh. She glanced over at Elena. "Speaking of big problems, how are you feeling about the movie? Now You See Me 3 is a big deal."

Elena shrugged, though the excitement in her eyes betrayed her nonchalant demeanor. "It's surreal. Like, I'm so excited, but also kind of nervous. It's a huge cast, and the role's a big step up for me."

Heaven nudged her playfully. "You're going to kill it, El. You always do. Besides, you've already worked with big names before."

"Yeah, but this feels different," Elena admitted, swirling her straw in her slushy. "Bigger stakes, more eyes on me. It's kind of intimidating."

Heaven tilted her head, studying her friend for a moment. "You know what I think? I think you're way too hard on yourself. You've been acting since you were a kid, and you've nailed every role. Why would this be any different?"

Elena smiled softly, leaning back against the bench. "Thanks, Heaven. I needed to hear that."

"That's what I'm here for," Heaven said, taking a sip of her own drink. "Besides, I need you to keep being awesome so I can say, 'Yeah, I know her' whenever someone mentions you."

Elena laughed. "Oh, so this is all about your bragging rights?"

"Obviously." Heaven smirked. "But seriously, you're amazing, and you're going to do great. Don't let the pressure get to you."

Elena glanced around the park, watching a dog chase after a frisbee, a couple walking hand in hand, and a group of teenagers laughing by the fountain. She took a deep breath, feeling a little lighter.

"Thanks, Heaven," she said quietly. "It's nice having someone who gets it."

"Always," Heaven replied, bumping her shoulder gently. "Now, tell me something fun. Like, have you talked to Mason today?"

Elena blushed slightly, taking another sip of her slushy to cover it. "Maybe."

Heaven's eyes lit up. "Oh, do tell! What's going on with you two?"

Elena rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face gave her away. "Nothing's going on. We're just friends."

"Uh-huh," Heaven said, clearly unconvinced. "And I'm just here for the slushy."

They both laughed, the conversation drifting into lighter topics as the sun continued its slow descent, casting long shadows over the park.

— ETERNAL SUNSHINE —