The Midnight Showing

By Kristina Hobbs

 

Two thighs touching, we sit side by side

but I don't know him.

One twitch and I know

he’s scared,

but my lack of blinking

shows that I am also frightened.

I am trembling,

but not from the obvious

gore on the screen.

 

Should I make a move

or should I wait?

Just slide a shy hand

through his and all will be—

I start to move my timid

fingers to lock with his,

one touch and I know-

 

-distracted

by horrified screams

I know the time

is right

to draw past the jelly bellies

and diet Mr. Pibb

one wrong move and I know-

 

My daring thoughts approach

the invisible circle surrounding

his hand. It starts to open,

setting free an unknown creature

and I do the unthinkable;

 

I draw past the unbroken palm

and lift my arm up over

his delicate head and brace

it around him casually;

 

casually, and smooth.