The very first official girlfriend I ever had broke up with me midway through a regular 5th Grade day. We were sitting on the carpet, the room was dark and she wanted to hold hands and own my gaze. I know this because she aggressively whispered so to me. She could not understand why I couldn’t tear my attention away from the boy with the ticket, the river of chocolate, the monotone Oompas or the candy that turned you into a balloon. More important I was mesmerized by the funny man with knowing smile who could make a difference in a poor 11 year old’s life (if the kid was worthy). The relationship was brief but the movie-man made an impression.
Fare-thee-well Gene!