10.21

I remember when this was a concession stand. That was back when I was a kid. I’d go to the movies with my Grandma, and sometimes a sibling or two. There was the main concession stand, but down the hallway stood another. I don’t recall if it was both hallways or just one, but I know we’d always hit the one with the shorter line.

I was still young when they shut it/them down. Not extremely young, but before I started dating the boy who got a job here. It must have happened because business slowed down. It was right as the economy started dying a painful death. Less people needed food. Less people needed to spend $10 to see a movie they could download for free a week later. I never worried about it. I didn’t pay for the tickets. But everything changes for no reason. And its not fair. They could have at least made sure the brick colors matched…

3.24

I remember that they used to know me by name. On top of spending four days a week after school in dance class, I spent most of my Saturdays working on Nutcracker choreography. There was always a break in there somewhere and it was usually reserved for homework and food. The Island bakery was always my first choice, at least when I had the money. It was a short walk, but it got pretty cold sometimes in just tights and a leotard. I don’t think I minded too much, the food at the bakery was worth the effort. They had the most amazingly greasy pizza and soft, frosted sugar cookies. I would usually take the quick trip by myself, because none of the girls I danced with were what I could consider friends. Sometimes I’d take a trip for the secretary, and bring her back a treat or two.

I stopped buying my favorite meal at the bakery when I stopped dancing. I wish I hadn’t stopped. I would give anything to be able to take classes again. But life gets in the way. Or divorces happen. Every so often I make a stop at the bakery. I’d venture there more often if I had someone to accompany me. I guess not many people understand the superb deliciousness of a local bakery. But maybe I just don’t know many people anymore. I still get my usual. The pizza is still greasy, and the cookies still melt in my mouth. I’m always worried that they’ll close down. All these money-hungry corporations are famous for screwing over local businesses. But I suppose the people are to blame as well. If consumers weren’t so concerned with saving 25 cents on a loaf of bread, life would be good.