The city of Philadelphia bustled with life as the four walked past busy streets, small shops, food stalls, and historic buildings. The sky was bright, the air lively, and the atmosphere perfect for an adventure.
Mary walked slightly ahead, pointing at different spots.
"Okay, first stop—Reading Terminal Market.
It's one of the oldest and biggest indoor markets in America. You'll love it!"
Gwen's eyes sparkled.
"I've seen photos! It looks so pretty."
MJ smirked.
"And the food looks amazing."
Arin watched them quietly, enjoying their excitement.
Mary turned back, smiling.
"And Arin? You just follow us. I'll make sure you don't get lost."
Arin nodded gently "ok."
Mary's cheeks warmed slightly.
Gwen and MJ exchanged a look felling a little jealousy rising.
---
Once inside, the group was hit with a wave of smells—fresh pastries, grilled meat, spices, sweets, and coffee.
Gwen gasped.
"Oooh! Look at that bakery!"
MJ tugged Arin's hand.
"And that candy stall look beautiful ."
Mary laughed.
"Come on. I'll show you my favorite smoothie place."
Arin followed, letting the girls pull him from stall to stall as they explored.
They tasted Fresh pretzels,Fruit smoothies ,Cheesesteaks, Homemade fudge
and Soft peach pastries
Darla wasn't there, but Mary bought some sweets to take home for her little siblings.
At one point, Gwen accidentally smeared cream on her cheek from a pastry.
MJ snorted.
"You're such a kid."
Gwen puffed her cheeks.
"Am not!"
Arin reached out gently and wiped the cream off her cheek.
Gwen froze at this while MJ blinked.
Arin said simply,
"You missed a spot."
Gwen turned red from head to toe.
MJ coughed, clearly jealous.
Mary also feel a jealousy but she hide it well.
Next, Mary led them through old cobblestone streets.
"That's the Independence Hall. And there's the Liberty Bell area. We can tour it later if you want."
Gwen took several photos.
MJ snapped pics of Arin when she thought he wasn't looking.
But what she don't know that he noticed her every time.
Arin pointed at a narrow alleyway.
"What about there?"
Mary nodded, impressed by his curiosity.
"That's Elfreth's Alley—the oldest residential street in the U.S. Wanna walk?"
"Absolutely!" Gwen said.
"For sure," MJ added.
The group wandered into the picturesque alley, full of brick houses with colorful doors.
MJ grabbed Arin's arm.
"Take a picture with me here."
Gwen quickly held his other arm.
"With me too!"
Mary who was watching them said "Arin's you really popular with girls"
Arin just sighed internally on surface but inside he was enjoying .
---
By afternoon, they reached a quiet riverside park.
The sun reflected on the water, children played in the distance, and everything felt calm.
Mary sat on the grass and stretched.
"This is one of my favorite spots."
Gwen sat beside Arin, brushing her shoulder against his.
MJ leaned on his other side.
Arin sat between them like a trapped statue.
Mary set down her bag and pulled out some snacks she bought earlier.
"I figured we could rest here before heading to the museum."
MJ grinned.
"You really are the best guide."
Gwen nodded.
" yes you're a great guide, Mary."
Mary blushed a little.
"I'm glad you're all having fun."
Arin looked around at the blue sky, the gentle breeze, the girls laughing softly while chatting.
For a moment, everything felt perfectly Normal.
He was really enjoying the moment with them.
---
Meanwhile… Far Above the City
Sivana hovered in the clouds, scanning everything.
But he felt nothing.
Only frustration.
"The new Shazam hides like a coward…"
The Sins growled.
"HE IS COWARD …"
Sivana's eyes glowed with hate.
"I will find you, Champion."
---
Back at the Park
Mary looked at Arin.
"So… where do you want to go next?"
Gwen smiled sweetly.
"I want Arin to choose."
MJ raised a brow.
"Yeah. What are you in the mood for, Arin?"
Arin looked at all three girls and said "Let's go to the museum next."
All three girls nodded excitedly.
Mary stood up.
"Perfect! Follow me."
As they walked, Gwen slipped her hand into Arin's.
MJ grabbed his other.
Mary walked ahead and pretended not to notice—
but her ears turned red.
Arin just sighed softly.
"Three days…
This might get chaos."
But he didn't mind.