At last. Home. Relaxed. Comfortable.
After a few long years sheltering in safe harbor in Asia during the pandemic, she had returned to her familiar town in Canada where she really belonged. Although Asia held the heartstrings of family and retained the memories of childhood, most of her adult life had been spent in this town. She slunk back in her seat, raised the footrest and pondered how comfortable she felt.
She'd landed a new apartment, arranged the furniture, stocked the fridge and settled in. She'd reseeded herself in this town, roots were taking hold and next it would be time to sprout new growth. Over the past month she'd caught up with old friends, reveled in parties with her old contacts, been out to dinner at some new places and revisited her old favorites. The town was just as she remembered it. She understood the people. She was attuned with the streets. She felt the heartbeat of the suburbs through her body. The town just resonated with her being and the city itself directed her to the right place at the right time to meet the right people.
But now it was time for some self care and relaxation after a busy week. She'd walked down to the local cinema with no idea of the current suite of films or times. Looking to the adverts she noted there were no blockbusters on offer, but an obscure Victorian period drama caught her eye. "Ticket for one" she requested, and meandered past the candy bar and into the theatre with ticket in hand. It was a genre which would not overstimulate the senses. Although sometimes there was some pretty weird shit in period dramas. The modern world was full of perversions of all natures, but she understood it was nothing new. Even back in that era there was plenty of deviancy behind closed doors. She'd enjoyed reading novels which delved into the depravities of Victorian life, and loved to thumb through the erotic scenes, that she'd play out in her mind lying alone in her bed at night.
Looking around the theatre she discovered that she was the only patron for the film. Lights dimmed and banal advertisements blared. With time she sunk deeper and deeper into the plush cinema chair, as her mind and body relaxed.
She heard stumbling footsteps and suppressed giggles. Three figures made their way down the aisle in faltering form. A male vanguard led the trio, holding hands with a female who in turn held the hand of a trailing woman. In the dim light they clumsily negotiated the shallow stairs, squealing with every misstep along the way. And then they stopped. She couldn't believe it. For fucks sake. It was an entirely empty cinema and he'd selected her row. The trio made their way along the row of seats, grasping at seat backs and groping at the armrests. And finally came to sit with one empty chair from her. "Sorry" he offered disingenuously and immediately turned to whisper with his companions.
He was wearing a loose singlet and shorts while the women wore alluring body-hugging dresses and heels. She pondered how often that pattern was repeated in this town. Women making the most of their appearances while the guys resisted any efforts to groom. Oh well. On this occasion she could not really take the high ground. She enjoyed wearing informal clothes and this time she'd simply worn a towelling skirt, loose underwear, a tee and slides to the cinema. She glanced across again, and took note of the stranger's body. Through the loose garment she could see three distinct ribs of his torso. A nice sign, she thought. That style of body usually goes with a flat tummy, defined abs and bold pecs. He was adorned with a curly mop of sandy hair and sported stubble. She couldn't get a good look at his face but she guessed late twenties, and maybe the women a little younger.
The conversation of the trio soured a little and transitioned to more urgent tones. Hand gestures. Heads tipping back betraying a failed negotiation. She couldn't hear the words, but it sounded like a resolution was achieved. The two women stood, smiled and waved in an amicable but contrived way and made their way out of the cinema. Just in time for the lights to cut and the opening credits.
Her mind turned inward and she realized that the interactions of the trio had raised her anxieties and spoiled her relaxed state. But now that the movie had started, she immersed herself in the story and the outside world faded.
The story followed a trajectory of two families in the British countryside. The plot revolved around family conflict based on expectations laden on children. She reflected that this theme will always remain relevant across time and cultures. The musical score was gentle, the language was reserved and eventually she fell into a light sleep.