Episode 6

There was excitement in the line, which wrapped around the Penn Theatre. People of various ages wore coats and a jackets, waiting on the sidewalk with a small collection of orange leaves. These leaves had fallen from the little trees, which separated the Penn from the small lot beside it. Looking down on us, from high up on the yellow wall were the faded painted images of The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind. The sky had gotten dark enough the street lights came on and you could hear the fountain, which had not yet been turned off for the season, in Kellogg park not far away.

We didn't go to the movies very often, so this would be a treat no matter what, but this was extra special. I don't think ether Justin, nor I thought we would be brought to this movie, but it was the one being talked about at school. My parents certainly hadn't shown much interest. For some reason, one I still don't know to this day, we were there.

The line started moving, which meant they had opened the front door. We shuffled forward in line, looking around to see if there was anyone else we knew. The smell of popcorn puffed over us every time the door swung open, which happened when there was room to squeeze the next family in the lobby. We hadn't even made it in and the magic had begun.

There was no thought of this being the cheap theatre, which ran movies a little after all the others, not consideration that we hadn't seen the movies that preceded this on in the series. Problems didn't exist in this space.

The door popped open and it was our turn. We walked into the tiny lobby, filled with people waiting for snacks. The ticket seller was practically pushed to the front door, which is caused everyone to wait outside. Our tickets were bought, while I tried to take everything in. The overly ornate room. The sounds of hushed talked. The buzz.

The theatre seats were covered in a red velvet type material, the walls had leaves and columns of gold. It was like we were all kings. The large curtain was closed as we waited talking. I can only image how many times I asked what time it was.

The lights dimmed and I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears. The curtain slowly parted and the projector brought the room to life. I watched, trying to absorb every detail, every word, my first ever Star Wars movie, Return of the Jedi. I loved it.