girl I know took me to a local squatter hangout today, where a lot of local activism organises from. an old movie theater. thing is, I already knew the building like the back of my hand. i used to go there all the time as a kid. it was one of my standard places to go after school. it closed some time around covid and never reopened. it was strange, seeing it in this new state after so many years. every wall was covered in political graffiti. the city cut the building's power so most of the lights were off, though some had been connected to a generator. instead of selling tickets and popcorn, the lobby was being used to hand out food and old clothes. one of the screening rooms had been turned into a dance hall. another had random artworks and furniture laying around.
.... I loved every second I spent there. I hate stagnancy. I love that it changed so much. I love that they saw this old building, this thing I used to love as a child, and turned it into something good, that I can love now. I love that there are so many people who care so deeply about these causes, so close by, in my own city.
