Performers like Dolores are rare, so when he saw the public roar with laughter through the damaged curtains, Vaude knew he had struck a goldmine. Things were looking up, and he thanked Lady Luck.
As for Dolores herself, being on stage had always been her dream. From the start, she and her bear-like pet were fan favourites. Folks flocked from far, for fantastic functions and fun formalities.
Thundering applause and the sounds of comically large bags of cash hitting the stage echoed through the hall after her acts. Folding over in laughter, Vaude appeared, to thank Dolores and the public.
When the audience left, Vaude, Dolores and Curtain Call collected what was untouched by Abelard, her pet. After Vaude handed Dolores her check and wished her a good night, he went to his office.
Finally out of sight of his employees, he sighed deeply. He didn’t know what it was, but something was bothering him. His smile faded, he placed down his cigar, sat down, and poured himself a drink.
He had not the energy to appear like his usual self anymore. But right now, he cared not if anyone entered. He leaned back in his chair, put his feet on the desk, and stared into space for a while.
Then, his eyes started welling up, so he rose from his seat, turned on a lamp, and grabbed a folder from a filing cabinet. A bittersweet smile grew onto his face as he read through the papers within.
Messages and pictures, all from folks he knew once, many years ago. He recalled many fond memories from all those he had met along the way, making his smile grow brighter, and his tears flow faster.
Many, if not most papers he looked through were the last messages folks sent him. News neither good nor bad ever reached his ears about their fate, and he was left to wonder, remember, hope, and cry.
A knock at the door, and Call stepped in, with Dolores and Abelard right behind him, all completely silent. Dolores asked Vaude if he was okay, and through his teary smile, which he hid not, he said:
“I can’t let myself forget them. Because if I don’t remember, then who will?”
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