The Old Movie Theater is Different This Morning...Why?

Something is different about this morning usually it's a quick brisk walk as the sun starts to rise. Thinking only about the past days events and what I should have done or about the things that need to be done. But, this morning is different I feel as if there is more of a purpose to my stroll so I decide to walk a little longer and further. Then the cold wind starts to send a chill through my bones, so I tug at my light blue sweater which I really haven't noticed in years. I start to wish I would have worn something warmer for my detour, but this will "have to do," I say to myself.

As I embrace the still so soft cotton against my skin I hear someone call my name. I know that it would be unusual to have anyone around at this time, so naturally I am a little startled. I turn all ways to look if I see anyone and as expected there is no one. However, I do take notice of the old movie theater that my mother used to take me to when I was a little girl. It occurred to me at that moment that I rarely glanced that way any longer, but then again I hadn't taken notice of a lot of things in my past especially when it came to memories of my mother.

Since her death two years ago I put many thoughts behind me. Remembering anything about her was too painful and would make me realize that she was gone.

Again, my name is called as a small whisper I hear "Anna," and now I am drawn to the theater. I don't know why but I approach the door not caring if someone is actually out there looking for me. I tug at the cold metal handle, forgetting how nippy I had felt earlier. Now all I feel is a sense of warmth on my once chilly cheeks. I pull on the handle and not even feeling surprised, the door opens. I enter the vestibule of the theater trying to suppress any thoughts of my mother.

As I am standing in the middle of this lifeless foyer I hear "Anna." I turn slowly and open and close my eyes. As I open them up again I see my mother standing by the popcorn stand talking with someone. I know that I am not insane so I get closer and I can smell her perfume which always reminded me of a beautiful orchid, which was her favorite flower. I take a deep breath and suddenly a smile overcomes my face as I try to capture this scene forever.

She doesn't notice me and she is still talking, she looks happy. I come closer to see who this person is that has all of her attention. I can't see the face but quickly I recognize the voice. It is me. My mother is speaking to me, but "I am behind you mom," I say to her.

Yet, I am standing in front of her. I try to touch her and my hand goes right through her and all I hear her say to the me that wasn't "me" is ,"Anna, please remember all of our beautiful memories here and everywhere, cherish everything we have done and don't ever let those memories fade."

My tears start rolling down my face and realize that I have so much I want to say but the only words that come out are, "I won't mom." As I try to step closer knowing that she can't see me or feel me I realize that she is gone and when I turn to the other "me" she starts to fade away as well. All over I sense closure as I start to smile once more.

Suddenly I feel a tap on my shoulder and a small voice saying, "Mommy, they are having a matinee at the old movie theater that you would go to with grandma." I quickly grabbed my little girl and held her so tight that she let out a quick sigh and I kissed her forehead and said, "We wouldn't miss it for the world."