We entered the sparsely lit movie theater only to survey that the empty seats were for individuals only with no two together anywhere. I looked down at my popcorn thinking the gathering of people in the seats was like seeing an ear of corn that was missing single kernels here and there. Though I know it was not his fault I am sure my date picked up on my disappointment that was occurring due to the delay in our arrival and gave a little helpless laugh but instantly seemed to come up with an idea. He leaned over and whispered for me to wait where I was asking me to hold his popcorn for a second as he made his way around others moving into the crowded aisle where people had reserved them seats beforehand. The people next to me seemed uncomfortable because I was uncomfortably standing next to them with nowhere to go. I attempted to shift a few feet closer to the wall and focused on the two pop corns acting I was just waiting for someone to come out the bathroom or something trying not to intrude like a tall lamppost shining down on any sort of secret conversation they were trying to have.

         Before I even knew what happened I heard a voice attempting to act as an announcer which out a microphone. Slightly mortified somewhat recognizing the voice in its raised decibels I looked to the sound. Sure enough, it was my date.

       “Excuse me. If I could have all of your attention please.” He paused as the indistinguishable static quieted down slightly.

        “Would the individuals that came alone to enjoy this fantastic movie tonight please raise their hands.” He sounded as if he worked for the theater and this was not just a game he was playing with the audience, but as if he had been going from theater to theater making the same announcement.

      “Don’t be shy. It's a good thing, I promise!” Slowly hands began to raise all around the crowded room. My date pointed out a person located in a prime center seat with no one seating next to him and asked the man if he would mind coming to the front to meet with him. The man was balding in the back of his head, lanky in stature, and still wearing his long coat from being out in the cold. He looked around for a second unsure at the unusual request but wasn’t about to pass up on a “good” mystery, and so slowly made his way to meet with the “announcer.” My date seemed to be holding a slip of paper in his hand. When the man reached him the whole room waited in anticipation to whatever was about to happen.

        “Your name Sir?” The man sputtered, “Paul Gerbit”

        “Well, Paul Gerbit,” my date repeated looking down at his slip of paper, “Do you come to the movies often?” The man nodded. I thought to myself anyone who goes to the movies alone, has to really like going.

         “Well then Congratulations Paul, to show our appreciation for your loyalty, we are giving you this 50 dollar bill and ask that you sit in this front row seat in order for us to bring you some refreshment while you enjoy this film.” With that, the crowd began to applaud and the man as he waved his new wealth to the crowd, thanking my date repeatedly, which was unlikely because of the amount, but likely because I guessed this was his first time the guy had ever won anything. He then happily took his “honorable” front row seat just as the crowd hushed as the previews began, and my date hopped his way up the ramp to me with a wink and directed me to the now 2 seats available in the center of the room. He finished by taking his popcorn back and taking it down to the man with a fresh smile on his face. I was impressed, surprised, and flattered he had gone to such lengths just to make the date go smoothly and I wondered if the show would ever be able to top such a performance he had just given to me.