Happy Endings

Recently I took Shelly to a special show at the movie theater. There is a ballet company that, four times a year, broadcasts their shows live to movie theaters around the world. As they perform in Moscow or London  or Paris (where WERE those people?), ballet lovers around the world enjoy the show. When I asked Shelly if she wanted to see Romeo and Juliet, she didn't hesitate for even a second, "yes!" she said eagerly, almost jumping up and down with the thought of it. I secretly wondered if it was a good idea. Romeo and Juliet... Well, we all know how that ends.

On the way to the theater I asked if she knew what the story was about. The thing about ballet is - well, you know - there's no talking. So unless you have an idea of the story line... She said she's seen it before (what?). "Remember, you got it from the library for us Mom." Oh yes, GNOMEO and Juliet. Animated. Garden gnomes. Battles across the hedge between the suburban yards. Gnomeo and Juliet.

I gave her the three minute plot summary of ROMEO and Juliet (she of course already knew all that). I left out the ending. Still wondering if I was doing the right thing, taking my young, beautiful, innocent ballerina to see this tale. We loaded up on candy, popcorn, and a gallon of sprite before heading in to find our seats. We immediately recognized other people we know from her ballet studio. And we settled in for the show.

I only leaned over to explain one or two points to Shelly as we sat there in the dark, enthralled by the beautiful dancers. The show was almost three hours long. Fortunately there was an intermission, but it just kept going and going. A couple more whispered explanations. Finally, the whole thing drew to a close. Tragedy, tears, it was over. An introduction to an Unhappy Ending.

As we walked to the car and I asked Shelly what she thought, she said "It didn't have a happy ending." No, it didn't. "But I thought there was always a happy ending." It wasn't a Disney kids movie where everyone lived happily ever after. Not all stories end that way. "But I thought it HAD to have a happy ending!"

Such is life. I'm still wondering if I did the right thing.