Disfruta La Película

She sighed and rearranged the brochures on her table.

It was the date of the Spanish film festival again, and here she was, stuck at the cinema’s reception area, alone.

She remembered the first time she volunteered for this. Her then boyfriend was taking language classes at the Spanish institute and suggested volunteering for the festival.

“It will be fun,” he said, kissing her on the forehead before they parted that day. “You need to get out anyway. You’ll meet all kinds of people and be introduced to all these cool films! Plus we’ll be together the whole time.”

Given her flexible work schedule, she allowed herself to be chosen as a volunteer. It was tiring, thankless work, but he always sneaked her food, kisses, and emotional support throughout the day. It was nice.

That was 2 years ago. And here she was again, alone, after he left to pursue further studies in Madrid, where he fell in love with a flamenco dancer and never returned her calls.

She didn’t know why she still went to these things. Despite a broken heart, when she was asked if she still wanted to help out with the film fest, she immediately said yes. Maybe it was a distraction for her at the time, maybe it was a way to preserve the wonderful memories they had together. Either way, she took up the chance when it was offered to her.

She leaned back and surveyed the scene before her. It was still quiet, since the opening cocktails were still ongoing downstairs. In 30 minutes, the guests would start coming up to her table, where she would check their name off the guest list, give them a ticket, and smile as she would say, over and over, “¡Disfruta la película!”

Enjoy the film. A film that played every time she listened patiently to a complaint, every time she looked hungrily towards the food carts nearby, every time she ran to grab another pen or marker from the office. A film wherein one of the main participants showers the lead character with affection through each trying step as she broke free from her mold and met new people, new films, new emotions.

She felt a tear drop from her eyes, and she quickly wiped it away. She heard celebratory applause from below and took a deep breath. One of her fellow volunteers was hastening towards her, signaling her to be ready. It’s time to act again. Disfruta la película.

–
Image source: deviantart.com/paleuf/art/Cinema-85256571
First written October 3, 2017.
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