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After they grabbed the laptop from the swindling IT bastard, they headed straight back. Tess remained silent on the drive, which suited Zara just fine. She had plenty to talk about—market research. But Tess didn’t hear her words. She was deep in her head.

She should have considered those special screenings Zara had suggested before today. Beneath all her cynicism, Tess had a deep desire to share the magic of movies with people.

That passion was what kept her going. The purity of that love. And now, some people weren’t experiencing that magic because she hadn’t made the extra effort. She felt like shit knowing that.

Maybe that was why she’d chosen a film she didn’t even care about for the outdoor screening. Un Chien Andalou wasn’t the right choice, and Tess knew it. She didn’t even like the film.

She was just showing off, banking on Zara not knowing it. And she didn’t, but she still somehow made Tess seem like the fool in the conversation—because she was right. It was a bad pick.

What was happening here? How was Zara outmanoeuvring Tess in her own domain? Why did she always seem one step ahead?

She was right about Jaws. It was the obvious choice, the one that would draw a crowd, get people excited. The kind of movie that reminded people why they loved cinema in the first place. But it wasn’t just about picking the right movie anymore. It was about what that choice represented. Admitting Zara was right felt like admitting defeat in a much larger battle, one Tess wasn’t even sure she understood.

Zara continued, oblivious to Tess’s existential crisis. ‘You know, it’s not just about what you want to show. It’s about creating an experience that resonates with people. Something that sticks with them, makes them come back for more. You’ve got to think bigger, Tess. Think about the audience, not just yourself.’

Tess bit her tongue, resisting the urge to snap back with something cutting. But Zara’s words stung because they were true.

Tess had been so wrapped up in proving she was different from Zara—better than Zara—that she’d lost sight of what mattered.

It wasn’t about showing off her obscure tastes or proving how much she knew about film history. It was about giving people an experience, a memory they’d carry with them long after the credits rolled.

Tess realised a few minutes had gone by. Zara was still talking.

‘Look, can you stop lecturing me for a minute? I’m playing Jaws,’ Tess finally said. It surprised Zara enough to make her pause.

‘I think it’s the right call,’ Zara eventually replied, a hint of approval in her tone.

Tess didn’t respond. She wasn’t doing it for Zara’s approval. She was doing it because it was a good idea. But even as she made that decision, a new fear crept in.

If Zara was right about this, what else was she right about? How many other things had Tess been getting wrong, blinded by stubbornness? The thought was deeply unsettling.

As they pulled up to the theatre, Tess killed the engine and stared straight ahead. She could feel Zara’s eyes on her, waiting for her to say something more. But if she thought Tess was gonna give her the satisfaction of a ‘thank you,’ she’d have a bloody wait.

‘I better see about ordering Jaws,’ Tess said finally, her tone making it clear that the discussion was over. ‘You can look over the numbers,’ Tess said, handing over a small flash drive.

The laptop was a right off, but all the information had been retrieved, thank god.

‘Thanks. I’ll dig into the numbers and give you a call when I know exactly what we’re dealing with,’ Zara said.

Tess got out of the car and watched as Zara drove off, relieved. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone had made her feel so utterly fucking grated.

She went into The Eclipse and headed to her office. As she sat down at her desk, Tess’s eyes fell on the film schedule she’d taped to the wall months ago.

Every title, every screening, had been carefully selected by her, with the belief that she knew best. Now, looking at it, all she saw were the gaps, the missed opportunities to connect with her audience.

Tess rubbed her temples. She could feel a headache coming on. She decided to name it Zara.