Forever ; W.S

12. comfort ice-cream

IRL

Penelope sat in her dressing room, her reflection in the mirror staring back at her with a forced smile. The makeup artist finished touching up her face, and Penelope nodded politely, though her mind was miles away. The excitement and enthusiasm she projected for the cameras were at odds with the turmoil inside her.

Dylan had been a comforting presence in her life, and their friendship was growing stronger. Yet, the reality was that despite his support, she felt a void left by Walker's absence. She had managed to push her unhappiness to the back of her mind during work, but it was always there, lurking just beneath the surface.

As the crew bustled around preparing for the next scene, Penelope found herself lost in thought. She remembered the laughter she once shared with Walker, the ease of their conversations, and the warmth of their friendship. Their last exchange had been a turning point she wasn't ready to accept. The silence that followed their separation had been deafening, and the pain of seeing him move on without her had been almost unbearable.

"Penelope, you're up next!" the assistant director called out, snapping her out of her reverie. "Right, thanks," she replied, forcing her smile back into place as she walked onto the set. The scene they were shooting today was lighthearted and fun, but Penelope struggled to fully immerse herself. Her performance was technically good, but there was a noticeable lack of the usual sparkle in her eyes.

As the day dragged on, Penelope's thoughts frequently drifted to her personal life. She had started seeing Dylan more often, and though their time together was enjoyable, it was clear that her heart wasn't fully in it. She appreciated his companionship, but it was a temporary solace rather than a remedy for her deeper sadness.

By the end of the day, Penelope was exhausted. She returned to her apartment, feeling the weight of her emotions settle heavily on her shoulders. She texted Dylan, letting him know she was home and thanking him for his support throughout the day.

Penelope smiled at the thought of Dylan's thoughtful gesture, but the warmth didn't reach her heart as it once might have. She appreciated the effort, but it didn't fill the void that Walker's absence had left behind.

That evening, Penelope sank into her couch, the soft light of the lamp casting a gentle glow over her living room. She allowed herself a rare moment of vulnerability, her face buried in her hands as she fought back tears. She was alone in the room, and it was one of the few times she didn't have to mask her true feelings.

The memories of Walker were like waves crashing over her, relentless and unforgiving. She recalled their last conversation, the way his words had felt like a cold, final closure. The absence of his familiar texts and the silence that followed had left her feeling abandoned and misunderstood.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Dylan, holding a container of her favorite ice cream and a concerned expression on his face. "Hey, I hope I'm not interrupting," he said softly, stepping inside when she opened the door. "I brought the ice cream. Thought it might help." Penelope managed a genuine smile, though it was tinged with sadness. "Thanks, Dylan. I really appreciate it."

They sat together on the couch, sharing the ice cream and engaging in light conversation. Dylan was attentive, his concern evident in his eyes. He could sense that Penelope was struggling, but he respected her space, choosing to offer comfort through his presence rather than pressing her for details.

As they talked, Penelope tried her best to focus on the present, but her mind kept drifting back to Walker. She had tried to keep up appearances and remain upbeat, but the facade was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

Later that night, as Dylan left, Penelope stood at her door, feeling a mix of gratitude and melancholy. "Thanks for tonight, Dylan. It means a lot." "No problem," he replied with a warm smile. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."

Penelope nodded, watching him leave before closing the door. She leaned against it, taking a deep breath. The mask she wore for the world was slipping, revealing the cracks of her hidden unhappiness. The facade of strength she had maintained was starting to crumble, and she knew that eventually, she would have to confront her feelings head-on.

The days ahead were uncertain, and while she appreciated Dylan's presence and support, she couldn't deny the lingering ache in her heart. The unresolved emotions she harbored for Walker were still there, and despite her best efforts to move on, she found herself caught between past regrets and present uncertainties.

Penelope's struggle was a quiet one, hidden behind the smiles and the outward appearances of normalcy. But in the solitude of her apartment, away from prying eyes, she allowed herself to feel the full weight of her emotions, knowing that healing would require time, self-reflection, and the courage to face the unresolved pain she carried.

author's note!

abit lazy to edit ngl