Narrator's pov
-
Confidence.
Something she wish she had. But for some reason she seemed to feel far better about herself just by a simple talk with that woman
Sometimes it's good to sit and listen to the words of the elderly, they have far more experiences in the world than we do And although some aren't as self aware as this woman, they still meant well
Unless it's your homophobic grandparents who think men need to work and look like Vikings while women stay at home cooking and cleaning while pregnant with five children
Then no. They need to burn. Old rug looking self-
"You'll do okay sweetie" she said, her soft and gentle hands tapped Kate's
In each smile she was a queen, in her thoughts wisdom flowed, that old heart of hers was the source of so much Kate cherished. Some search all their days to find someone so wonderful, yet Kate was blessed to learn from a master of the soul.
"Thanks, what exactly are you in the waiting room for?" she asked
"Ah they wanted someone to play a grandmother, I told them look at me. Do I look old? This body could carry me places they've never been to" The woman smiled sweetly, Kate's eyes went wide followed by a chuckle
"I'm sure you can"
"Meh, it's time for me to hang up my scripts. It's been 60 years in the world of acting for me" the woman said
"Woah" Kate gasped
"Yep, I think it's time I retire and settle down, find me a hunk and smoke what's left of my liver" She smiled, Kate couldn't contain her smile
"You're something else"
"That's what my third husband told me-"
"Oh my God" Kate laughed
"Is this your first time here?" the elderly woman asked
Kate gazed at the old woman before her. At her age she should have one foot in the grave. Her gait should be wonky with arthritic joints and eyesight failing faster than her highschool grades. Were it not for the lines in her face she'd think her sixty at the most given her sharp mind and easy motion; but they are so deep and saggy - like the skin no longer has a connection to the skull underneath.
In a photograph you'd clock her as ninety or more, and Kate thought that's where she was. It's her litheness and articulate speech that get you, an echo of youth in someone so old.
"Yeah, I'm up for the lead" Kate mumbled
"I wish you the best of luck with that" she smiled
"You know, I didn't quite catch your name?" Kate mumbled
"Pearl... Pearl Monroe" The elderly woman smiled and held her hand out, Kate politely shook it
"Kate, role call for Kate" Someone announced
All the reasons not to do this came flooding in, as if her body chemistry just sent them a blanket invitation. Kate felt the soft panic that could grow or fade depending on what she did next.
"Well, I guess that's me"
"Good Luck dear" Pearl grinned
"I'll need it" Kate sighed
The girl made her way towards the brown door with a black and gold star on it, her nerves weren't taking over her. That pep talk for Pearl was enough to keep her sane, sure it was her first time doing something like this but she's trained enough to contain herself.
