"I can't believe that was my last one..." mused Charles as he sat gazing at Lake Riftwood. Usually watching the sunset from his favorite spot in the park gave him peace. But today was different.
Charles Riftwood, for whom both the park and the lake were named, had officially retired only hours earlier. At seventy-two years young, he had completed what he believed to be his best work. So it made sense to give himself time to do other things. At least when he made the announcement to the press.
Oh sure, his many fans at the event were in tears, but they also wished him well. They understood that he should have time for new experiences. Directing movies took all of one's time and energy.
"But do I really want to stop permanently? Maybe I just need a break. Especially if I find the perfect script one day. Another perfect script, that is." he amended. He had never taken on a film unless he believed it was worthy.
"But I can do other things. Leave my mark in other fields." he reminded himself. After all, with his good health, he may very well have thirty or so more years. And by then, who knew what science might have discovered to combat aging?
"I don't know... My legacy is guaranteed. There's nothing more that I need to do, I've proven to myself that I am one of the greats. I'll just leave it at that." he decided firmly.
As if on cue, an old style movie reel spread across the sky. With the glorious colors of a spectacular sunset as a background, it was the most magnificent sight Charles had ever witnessed.
The first few frames started with the countdown. Then he saw clips from his childhood. Taking pictures with a now ancient camera, while driving the adults crazy during a picnic. Trying to put the pictures together to make a story.
Then it played his early struggles to get a toe into the business. Waiting tables. Lugging heavy bags around. Sleeping in a van. Finally meeting Vin Mearkson, his mentor.
Then his proudest moments. Watching his first creation, Vin at his side. Winning the Worldwide People's Selection Award. A favorite clip of every movie he ever directed. His marriage. The birth of his children. Their many accomplishments.
"Sir? I'm very sorry to bother you. Are you Charles Riftwood?" a voice asked, seeping into his consciousness. He began to focus. Had this all been real, or a vision - or a dream? But surely he had been awake the whole time...
"Yes... How can I help you?" he asked, seeing a young man of perhaps twenty. He had wrinkled clothes, and dark circles under his eyes. His right shoe's upper and lower parts were beginning to part ways.
"I'm not asking for help, Sir. I just wanted to shake your hand." he replied, clearly awestruck.
"What's your name, young man?" asked Charles, extending his hand.
"Jim. Jim Wilson. And I would like to thank you Sir, your movies made me want to get into filmmaking!" he replied, almost stuttering in his eagerness to say aloud what had been in him for so long.
"And I would like to thank you, Jim Wilson. You have just given me my next great achievement! Should you choose to give me the honor, of course." he added, grinning from ear to ear.
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Describe what you see:
I see a man sitting by a lake, thinking. Something about him makes me think he might be a senior.
Describe what you feel:
I feel like it is a peaceful time and place, but perhaps the man wants more.
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery
