The Brighton Plaza Cinema 5/2/21 – Katherine

In the hushed theater, the lights were dimming, and the opening credits began to roll out. The movie’s familiar theme song filled the darkened room, setting the mood for what was to come. Katherine wiggled herself into a more comfortable position, looking forward to seeing a rerun of her favorite classic, “Love Story.” She was in a mood for tears, knowing this movie would get her there. Katherine felt a bit lost this last week. After being dumped by her recent love interest, the accompanying sadness and anger had built up. It was time to just let it all go. Isolating from her friends probably hadn’t been the best idea, but she felt stupid that she’d fallen for his spiel hook, line, and sinker. He was a con man, swindling her out of a lot of money. She was handling her emotions as best she could, considering how it all ended. This movie would be a cleanse for her. Katherine was sure of it.

With her big bucket of butter slathered popcorn, a Kit Kat bar for a break from the greasy saltiness, and a large drink to wash down all the indulgences, she was ready to indulge in the over-the-top romance of this film. The boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, girl gets a terminal illness, then boy loses girl saga wasn’t just any old romance tale, it was like the Gone with the Wind of love tales. Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal were so in sync in this movie. It was no wonder it became a box office hit of the time and had, to this day, remained one for the younger generations too. The chemistry between the lovebirds was perfect and so natural, like a match made in heaven. It really was a shame she died in the end, but that’s why Katherine was here; she needed a good cry. And cry she did, buckets full.

Katherine had to sit there for a moment once the lights came back up. Dabbing at her face with the unused napkins, she cleaned her tear-stained cheeks. Katherine was super careful not to smear her mascara, pushing very lightly around her eyes. She wondered if she looked puffy.

It seems she’d purchased the right amount of concessions; nothing was coming home with her. Movie theater popcorn usually got stale if she took it home, so she was glad she could toss the empty bucket along with her candy wrapper and soda cup into the trash bin on the way out. The straw crossed her mind as she walked towards the exit. Hopefully, it wouldn’t end up in the ocean or a turtle’s nose.

As she passed the rows of people, Katherine was curious why a few of them laughed, and others looked very serious. They must be some stone-cold individuals; he lost the love of his life, people! She just shook her head and kept walking.

Katherine did feel better. This movie was just what she needed today.

TO BE CONTINUED ON TUESDAY…