The crisp autumn air bit at Maria’s cheeks as she walked the familiar path to the park. She held a half-eaten ice cream cone, a habit she'd shared with Olivia since childhood. They'd both applied for the same teaching assistant position at the local elementary school. Maria's application had been accepted; Olivia's, rejected.
She sat on the swing set, the rusty chains creaking softly as she pushed herself back and forth. The park was filled with memories: scraped knees, whispered secrets, and dreams of a future filled with children and laughter. She remembered the two of them, always inseparable, always planning.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was Olivia. Maria steeled herself.
"Hey," Olivia said, her voice strained. "So... congratulations."
Maria closed her eyes. She wanted to scream, to lash out, to somehow reverse the situation. But she forced a smile into her voice.
“Thank you,” Maria said softly. She could hear the emptiness of the playground echoing back at her.
"I’m happy for you," Olivia continued, the words coming out flat. "It's what you always wanted."
Maria looked at the ice cream cone, a melting mess in her hand. The sweet, cool sensation was suddenly gone. She remembered the way Olivia always knew how to make her laugh, and her heart felt heavy. She was alone on a swing set. She took a deep breath. She swallowed.