The witch’s evil laugh echoes through our living room as I crouch closely next to my mother on the same couch cushion. I sit paralyzed, clinging to her arm, practically sitting on her leg. I can feel my heart beating faster, like it might race right out of my chest, anticipating their arrival on the screen.
Yes, I know what is coming. It is the same every year. It doesn’t matter that I know the ending. It is inconsequential that I know it will all turn out alright. I still don’t like them. I am still so scared.
I want to go back to the part with the nice lady with the long curly blond hair and lovely pink dress. When the cute little people called “munchkins” were singing and following the pretty yellow brick road. Yet I know the story must continue.
Suddenly there they are, flying around with their ugly, green monkey faces. I dig my fingers into my mom’s arm, every muscle tensed. She holds me tighter, so aware that this is my least favorite part. But I am brave enough to watch this year. I don’t cover my face.
It’s not too long before the scene changes again and they are gone. However, I know they will be back during the part in the castle, before the wicked witch melts away, only her black, pointy hat left above the puddle that once was her. I hope I can keep my eyes open again when I see them. I know they cannot get me. But still.
In a matter of minutes Dorothy is back with Auntie Em and my mother’s arm is all hers again. I put my focus back to the popcorn bowl on the coffee table and pop the last few kernels into my mouth.
As mom stands up to walk away I question her as to when the sweet movie with the nice singing English lady will be on… You know, the one where she makes clothes for all the children from the curtains in her bedroom.
Next week, she says.
I‘m pretty sure I like that movie more.
Any movie without those nasty flying monkeys is better. Much, much better.
This week we want you to think about a tv show from your past. Maybe you watched it, maybe you didn’t and it was just something that everyone else talked about.
What feelings does the show evoke? What memories does it trigger?
I have a love/hate thing for The Wizard of Oz. But I ADORE The Sound of Music. Either way, we watched both every year when I was growing up…