Snow Island: The open-air holiday cinema

It was outdoor movie night on Snow Island, and the city was screening the premiere of The Distracted Santa Claus, a new animated film by a world-renowned local director. Families unfolded their camp chairs and gathered around heated lamps that were set up on the soccer field to keep everybody warm. With their chairs lined up, twins Orion and Capella wrapped themselves in the large blankets handed to them by their parents.

“Dad, can we please have some popcorn?” the little girl asked.

“And some hot chocolate?” her brother added.

“Good idea, kids. I’ll go get us some. Do you want anything, Audrey?” Patrick asked, turning to his wife.

“A coffee, please.”

“Hurry up, Dad, or you’ll miss the beginning,” Orion called out as his father headed toward the concession stand.

There was no need to worry, though. Patrick returned with their snacks long before the movie started. In fact, the screen still hadn’t turned on by the time the kids finished their popcorn.

“I wonder what’s taking so long,” Audrey said.

“Yes, this is odd,” Patrick said. “And people are starting to get impatient.”

“We could go see the technician and find out what’s going on,” Capella suggested.

“Yes, his hut is nearby,” Orion added. “I can see it from here.”

“Alright, but go straight there and don’t take any detours on the way back,” their mother instructed.

When they arrived at the hut, the two children knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Since the door was unlocked, they opened it. To their surprise, they saw David, the technician, snoring away in his chair instead of operating the projector.

The twins called out his name and shook him, first gently then more vigorously, but nothing worked. David was still asleep.

“He’s so tired that it’s impossible to wake him up,” Capella exclaimed. “But how else can we get the movie started?”

“Follow me,” her brother replied.

With his sister right on his heels, Orion headed toward the nearest family. He quickly explained that the technician was sound asleep in his chair.

“Poor David,” said the mother with a sigh. “I don’t know how he gets any rest taking care of four children under the age of 10 all by himself.”

“I’m pretty good with electronics,” chi¬med in the girl beside her. “Go back to your seats, I’ll take care of everything.”

“Thank you,” the twins replied in unison.

As the crowd began to grumble more and more, Orion and Capella returned to their seats and recounted the story to their parents.

“Let’s hope this teenager knows what she’s doing,” Patrick said.

At that moment, the screen finally lit up and the opening credits appeared. The audience burst into thunderous applause.

“It looks like it,” Capella enthused.

“Well done, kids,» Audrey said.

The much-anticipated film, both funny and heartwarming, was a hit. Thanks to the twins and their invaluable ally, the outdoor movie night was a success — despite a bit of a sleepy start!

As for David, who woke up just in time to see the final scene, he went home feeling more rested than he had in years.

THE END

By Johannie Dufour and Sarah Beauregard
Translated by Katya Teague