Theater

A large screen is lowered before me as I rest my feet on the bar in front of my seat.

A last few words are spoken to people’s companions, deciding if the commercial was worthwhile, and the sounds of slurping and opening of packages echoing around the room.

It feels cold and dark, as if the late night had closed in, even though it was day.

I took in a breath, almost able to taste the atmosphere of popcorn and tapping sneakers.

Couples, friends, and family’s all sat in groups, anxiously waiting for the film to start.

I saw a boy take a girl’s hand, smiling at her gently, two girl friends laughing silently at something, and a mother helping her little boy put a napkin on his lap.

The stairs leading to each row were lit as the rest of the theatre went dark.