Page 11

Zara was sat at her desk, the sleek surface cluttered with financial reports, spreadsheets, and scribbled notes. Her laptop screen displayed a detailed analysis of The Eclipse Cinema’s financials, and the numbers weren’t pretty. The theatre was bleeding money, held together by Tess’s sheer stubbornness, as well as a fair amount of duct tape.

The state of the numbers didn’t scare Zara. She could feel it the moment she stepped inside—the history, the charm, the potential. Zara could fix it. She believed that in her bones. But first, she had to convince her bosses.

She compiled her report, carefully crafting an argument that highlighted the cinema’s potential rather than its shortcomings. The location was ideal, the building had character, and the community was attached to it. What it needed was a fresh approach—a way to blend its nostalgic charm with modern appeal that could attract a broader audience.

An hour later, Zara was seated in a sleek conference room, facing a panel of executives.

‘Thank you for taking the time to review my proposal,’ she began. ‘I won’t sugarcoat the situation. The Eclipse Cinema is struggling. However, I believe that with the right investment, we can turn it into a profitable business.’

Her direct boss, Phillip, a man in his fifties with the perpetual look of a man straining out the worst shit of his life, leaned forward. ‘What makes you think this cinema is worth saving, Zara? The numbers suggest otherwise.’

Zara met his gaze, unflinching. ‘I understand your concerns. But The Eclipse isn’t just any cinema. It has a unique place in the community, and that’s something we can leverage. I plan to modernize the facility while preserving its character. We’ll implement a targeted marketing strategy to attract both old patrons and new ones.’

Another executive, Brianna, a woman with sharp eyes, sat back in her chair. ‘You think they’re a safe bet?’

‘I’ve run the projections,’ Zara replied. ‘With an initial investment, we can increase foot traffic by 40% within the first six months. The key is to create an experience people can’t get anywhere else—a mix of nostalgia and modern comfort. We’ll introduce loyalty programs, expand the concessions, and launch a social media campaign to rebrand The Eclipse as the place to be.’

The room was silent for a moment as the board absorbed her words.

‘I know this is a risk,’ Zara continued. ‘But it’s a calculated one. We’ve seen this model work in other markets. The difference is that this isn’t just about making money—it’s about revitalizing a community landmark. The Eclipse has history, and with the right strategy, it can have a future too.’

Was that a bit much? Maybe. But Zara wanted them to know this was about more than numbers. She believed in the place.

The board members exchanged glances. Finally, Phillip spoke for the hive mind. ‘We’ll need to see more detailed projections and a timeline for implementation. But… you make a compelling case, Zara. We’ll consider it.’

Zara nodded, her heart racing. Got you, she thought. ‘I’ll have everything you need on your desk by tomorrow morning,’ she said out loud.

As she left the room, Zara felt a surge of adrenaline. She wasn’t out of the woods yet, but she knew she’d nailed it. She was a goddamn visionary, and she was going to save The Eclipse.