Movie Theater

Sunday afternoon matinee. The warm sun lights a path along the sidewalk. The marquee smiles with the day’s lineup of daydreams and nightmares — escapes to lands far from suburbia. My ticket’s punched and the smell of butter sails through the air as a steady hum of anticipation follows me from behind, beating to the rhythm of my happy heart as I board first class for a two hour holiday steps from home. Breathless, I gaze at the gargoyles salivating over my shoulder, all properly seated in their corners. Waiting. The lights dim, the curtains part and people rustle in their seats. All aboard!