This is a really dumb ideaâŚ
But, imagine Ryan works at a movie theater that is reportedly haunted. In fact, he wanted the job BECAUSE the place was haunted.
There are rumors and gossip, as with any workplace. One of Ryanâs friends tells him about a tall man, dressed in old-fashioned clothing, who comes in every âflashbackâ Sunday night during the last showing of an old movie. The friend suspects itâs a ghost catching pictures they once enjoyed when they were alive.
Ryan begs his manager to let him work Sunday nights. Having absolutely no issue with this, as many people would give their right arm to NOT work that shift, the manager switches the schedules around so Ryan gets his wish.
That Sunday, he sees the man his friend was talking about, and goodness, he could have been a movie star back in the day. Heâs tall, handsome, and dresses exceedingly well for just seeing a movie by himself. In fact, the theater is often empty when he visits.
Ryan is tasked with cleaning up after the man once he leaves. Though, this man is very polite and often leaves the place cleaner than it was before.
Because there isnât much to do that late at night, Ryan starts a habit of just lingering near the entrance of the theater, catching the movie, and glancing at the man every once and a while. Eventually, after a few weeks of this, the man simply asks Ryan to join him. âI wonât tell anyone, I promise,â he says to him.
Ryan does join him, as this could be his only opportunity to hang out with a ghost. As he gets to know him, the man does seem to be trapped in a different era. Aside from his fashion, he references decades old pop culture, uses phrases that have been phased out of the current lexicon half-a-century ago, and seems wistful when referring to long-dead celebrities. Another few weeks go by, and Ryanâs conviction that this man is a ghost becomes stronger - as does his feelings for him.
Ryan is heart broken by his crush, knowing that a relationship between them is impossible. The only thing he can do now is help him move on. An off-handed question provides Ryan the manâs name; Shane Madej. Gosh, even his name is beautiful.
Ryan researches âShane Madejâ and finds that he was indeed an actor in the forties and fifties, flourishing under supporting roles. He never quite becomes a leading man, and a YouTube video about Hollywood Cemeteries and Graveyards explains why. With the backdrop of his Westwood grave, the narrator states, âDespite having a wife and children, rumors about his sexuality kept him from achieving further success in the film industry. Due in part by his wifeâs masculine attire and manner, it was said that Hollywood shunned him for fear of a future scandal. Shane, however, never abandoned his wife or family. They are both buried here, having died only days apart in 1980.â
Ryan weeps, moved by Shaneâs loyalty and perseverance. As a bisexual man, he can understand his plight, though it sounded as if Shane was scape-goated by Hollywood. Ryan doesnât waste time visiting his grave and placing flowers by the modest head stone. Later, he gathers clips of Shaneâs performances to show him, in an attempt to appease his spirit. Even if the public doesnât remember him, Ryan will.
That Sunday, before the movie starts, he plays the clips on his phone for Shane, who lights up at seeing them. âWow! I canât believe you found these!â he says ecstatically.
Ryan canât help but shed a few tears. Shane asks him what is wrong. âIâm just moved by the acting is all,â Ryan admits with a watery smile.
âIâm sure my grandfather would have loved to hear that,â Shane says softly. âHe never got to really hear that from anybody.â
Grandfather? GRANDFATHER!?!?
Shane goes on to explain that heâs the reason he comes to these shows; his grandfather died before he was born, and this was his way to get to know his namesake. Shane also jokes that they have an uncanny resemblance, and itâs strange, at times, to practically see himself in that era on the big screen.
Ryan, embarrassed by the conclusions he drew, merely nods and listens, accidentally agreeing to (though not perturbed by) a date with Shane.
(Their first date consists of Hollywood haunts, including a visit to Shaneâs grandfatherâs grave. Shane is surprised by the new flowers, but Ryan keeps his mouth shut.)
Itâs only years later, after theyâve married and had a few children of their own, that Ryan admits that he had once thought Shane was a ghost.
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