The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Penny sighed bitterly and took a few steps back. "I guess I was just too naive. All I want now is to expedite my exit from this industry. Once this film wraps up, I'll do as my mother advised me to and get an accounting degree. I'm not going to delude myself into thinking about a career in the entertainment industry."

Monica was rather surprised to see that Penny's usual optimism had been replaced completely by pessimism. She held Penny's arm and led her to a secluded spot.

Once they were alone, Monica asked cautiously, "Okay, we're alone now. There's no one around. Now tell me the truth. Did you discover something?"

Penny trembled and glanced at Monica with a panicked expression. "No!" she denied vehemently. "What are you talking about? I... I didn't discover anything!"

Monica narrowed her eyes. She did not expect to have pinpointed the source of Penny's jitteriness, having asked the question offhandedly. "But if that's the case, why are you being so defensive? You don't seem like yourself today, and you've been spacing out for some reason too. We're friends, aren't we? You don't have to keep everything to yourself when you're with me."

was merely a crew member, Monica never saw her as anything less than a friend. They grew close, and one would be forgiven for thinking that they were friends during their school days. Monica frequently held Penny's hands whenever they met on

tell you anything, but we're both newcomers to this industry. A lot of things are more complex than we imagine. You understand that, don't you? It's not that I don't want to tell you... Sometimes, ignorance can be

the information was made known to

silent glances,

pressure you. If you do decide to tell me one day, please don't hesitate to talk to me about it. Don't carry all the burden alone. I'm your friend. I know there are risks involved, but I'm willing to share the burden with you,

of her word. Monica's offer to share the burden was a genuine one. Penny was incredibly grateful to have such a reliable friend and found some solace within

"Okay!"

smiled and hooked her arm-a

disaster struck Penny shortly after they