Life Needs More Popcorn

The winding road seemed to last forever as darkness enveloped his black convertible. It had been an unusually cool day and now it was an even colder night. Empty beer cans rattled around the vehicle each time he shifted gears while accelerating uphill. They had remained tucked away under the driver's seat until tonight.

A thick fog rolled in quickly near Timbers Lake Bridge, a popular hangout for residents and visitors. Needed improvements to the structure were underway as the ongoing project was long overdue.

While it sustained itself through many storms, heavy traffic, and tragic accidents the bridge was nearly 100 years old. The frigid air whipped relentlessly and briskly at Jay's face, but it didn't seem to matter. This damn night had given him more grief to handle and an even bigger pain to manage.

The permits to use specific scenic locations for his film production had been rejected. Jay was not only now overbudget, but completion of his first feature film hung in the balance. He refused to accept the idea of defeat, something a narcissist cannot process.

"Fuck You and your permit," he shouted while speeding towards Timbers Lake Bridge.

"This film is happening now!" "Let's go Jay!" he chanted to himself while screeching tires, parking, and reaching for a tripod in the backseat.

The camera, an expensive Arri was also in the car but Jay, decided a gritty real time feel using his phone was enough for him.

"Yes!" he yelled while setting up the camera phone. He established the angles and shot he needed to achieve before jumping back in the car. He spotted one more unopened beer can. Without hesitating, Jay filmed himself guzzling the beer. A horrible sounding burp was also captured on film.

He started the vehicle, reved his engine, and did a partial doughnut while the phone captured it all. This was Jay's first take.

On the third take which involved Jay speeding on the bridge without headlights was completed successfully. He jumped out of the convertible and began celebrating the completion of his film.

"Fucking yeah, yes, yes!"

He decided a selfie with his middle finger would be great to use for the theatrical poster.

The darkness and silence hung over the bridge as Jay began to remove his tripod. His phone was almost out of bars when bright headlights blinded him. A rookie policeman didn't see him as he focused on an emergency call blaring from his radio.

News of the Timbers Lake tragedy spread like wildfire through the community. Social media platforms broke with the news, but also aired Jay's entire film. The internet couldn't handle the volume it received for months.

In Jay's final shot, he reminded everyone life needed more popcorn.

The End