21st April 2040
The Beryl Short Film Festival had been something Justin had been attending for years, and each year his passion for directing had grown with him. This time was more significant than the rest, as Justin had managed to talk his way into getting his own film played. While usually taking a nonchalant stance in most things, he had known how seriously to take this. He had been fixated on this short film- camera shots and character dialogue had been all he could think of for months. Now it had all led up to this moment, Justin sat in the audience, which featured some fellow college friends and professors.
Justin had not been able to enjoy the films leading up to his, unable to ignore the anxiety surrounding what was going to come. So by the time his film name was projected on the screen, the sense of vulnerability washed over him like a wave. Putting himself out there, revealing the inner workings of his thoughts and passions, wasn’t something Justin often did. He was perfectly content with staying closed off - and therefore unharmed. This was very much out of his comfort zone, exposing himself to all the kinds of judgment he tries to avoid. As the film started, he leaned back with unease as Justin tried to read the faces of the people around him.
“Isn’t that Sadie and Jordan’s son?” Justin could make out amongst the awkward whispers that had arisen rather than the anticipated buzz of excitement, and even applause, he had hoped would come after his film. What stung the most about that was the hint of amusement he couldn’t help but notice from that question. Of course it was funny, the son of world-famous actors made sh^t films. He would probably laugh at himself. No way was Justin going to stay sat here and face the people who just watched that embarrassment. He was out of his seat as the next film started, standing in the lobby.
The door reopened before it could even fully close behind him, revealing his mother. While Justin had kept a stoic expression, facing his mother made it hard to continue. “Maybe safe to say I won’t be working on your films any time soon, huh?” Justin tried to joke. “Time to find a new career path. I mean why did I fvcking think I could do this?” “Justin–” “How could I have thought that would go- I put everything-”
“You did put everything into it, and there’s nothing more promising than that,” Sadie told him, putting her hands on his shoulders. “I know you put pressure on yourself to have everything figured out, but you still have so much time. So much time to make mistakes - and this moment can hardly even be called a mistake, you took a risk. You poured your heart and creativity into that film, and that’s something to be immensely proud of,” She continued, “I’m so proud of you. Don’t let this one moment define everything, please.”
Following a brief embrace and with Justin finding a more settled demeanor, Sadie broke the silence by saying, “It’s reminiscent of your film, you know, where the dog symbolized growth stemming from challenging times.” Justin’s brows furrowed in surprise, his eyes lifting from the floor to meet his mother’s. “You got that part?”
Sadie smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting both understanding and pride. “Of course I did, I will always be your biggest fan, Justin.”
15th May 2040
The last two weeks hadn’t felt real. How could life seem so ordinary, and then out of nowhere, he is given the news about his mother’s heart condition, and before he even has a chance to come to terms with that… she passes away due to it. How long had Sadie known? How many interactions had they had where she knew and hadn’t said? How could she be gone? The thought that she had been carrying this secret, interacting with him as if everything was fine… even in her hardest times she wanted others to feel okay.
That’s what Justin tried to do. Since that day, he tried to remain the comforting figure he always tried to be. Be it the lack of himself processing what had actually happened, Justin found himself offering words of support and a shoulder to lean on. It was as if his mother’s spirit of compassion had taken root within him, and he could give the to the people around him. He was the oldest, the protective, the comedic relief at times, and he had to keep that up now more than ever. Besides, how can he have his moments when the person who would usually listen is no longer here?
It wasn’t until he was standing in his own house for the wake did it all suddenly sink in. Everyone was there, except his mother. No, his mother was gone - this was the new definition of ‘everyone’. It brought a wave of mixed emotions to him - of sadness, grief, longing. His mother left a void that no one could fill, seeing the faces of the people around him only proved that.
Just as he was on the verge of ascending the stairs and surrendering to his emotions, Justin crossed paths with familiar face - as if there weren’t enough around him right now. “Ronnie Parker,” He greeted her. “I do like you, but I have to say, orchestrating another date right now might not be the best choice in timing,” He quipped, in an attempt to joke about their last interaction.
@CerealKiller Veronica Parker