It seemed like everyone was flubbing their lines left and right, each person's mistake adding to the delay. The frustration was enough to nearly push Director Frost over the edge as he bellowed, "We're not
wrapping until this scene is done. Keep it moving!"
Quintessa's costume, drenched with sweat, clung to her like a suit of armor under the relentless sun, making her feel as if she was trapped in a sauna.
Leona shot Crystal a knowing look, which Crystal returned with a helpless shake of her head.
Cynthia noticed their silent exchange but chose to look away, pretending she hadn't seen a thing.
Tyrone, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves, repeatedly attempting to intervene, only to be held back by Manny.
He watched from a distance as Quintessa staggered slightly, his concern growing by the second. "She's going to get heatstroke in this blazing heat," he thought anxiously.
Manny reassure, "This is the last take. If it really comes down to it, the director will call for a break. Quinn's just really dedicated to her work. If you interrupt her now, she won't be pleased." Tyrone's frown deepened at the thought.
As the scene restarted, the Queen, leading her ladies-in-waiting, repeated their entrance. With no lines at first, the Queen smiled subtly, her voice barely a whisper, "How are you holding up?"
Quintessa felt the weight of her costume bearing down on her like a mountain. Her vision doubled as she moved, managing a weak reply, "I'm okay."
"It seems like everyone's off their game today. Like they've agreed to it or something."
"Yeah."
When they reached a garden, the group paused, and the Queen spoke her lines. As it was Quintessa's turn, her vision darkened, and she faltered, "Today, I..."
Director Frost, already on edge, saw Quintessa, who had seldom struggled with lines, stuttering and exploded, "Quinn, what's going on with you? You're usually spot-on. How come you can't remember your lines today?"
Before he could finish, Quintessa's world went black, and she collapsed backward, the surrounding noises fading away in an instant.
As she closed her eyes, she saw Tyrone rushing towards her, and thought, "Given how fast you run, I'll let you take care of me tonight."
Director Frost, now genuinely concerned, rushed over, "What happened? What's wrong?"
The actress playing the Queen, experienced as she was, guessed, "She must have heatstroke."
Regret washed over Director Frost, wondering if he had pushed his cast too hard.
Tyrone glared at the gathering crowd, "Back off."
He scooped Quintessa into his arms and called out, "Manny, get the car."
Manny hurried to comply.
Crystal bit her lip in frustration, exchanging a look with Leona, who managed a smile, "Looks like she's finally getting a break."
Quintessa woke to the feeling of a cool breeze, replaceing it pleasantly comforting. Opening her eyes, she saw Tyrone sitting beside her, his hand propping against the cheek, half-asleep, fanning her gently.
A wave of emotion hit Quintessa hard. Growing up, her family wasn't well-off, and during hot summer nights when she couldn't sleep, her mother would fan her just like this. No matter how many times she woke up during the night, even if her mother fell asleep, her hand never stopped moving. Quintessa felt a lump in her throat.
"You're awake."
Suddenly, Quintessa reached out, pulling Tyrone down by the neck into a kiss, hiding her teary eyes, "I'm not feeling well today. Shall we postpone your 'nightly duties'?"
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