Earlier this week, I'd realised with surprise that I can actually catch an evening movie the following day.
I decided to seek out a friend who seemed to have as irregular a work schedule as myself, and interest her in animation great Miyazaki Hayao's newest offering, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
The time and venue were quickly decided, but almost as an afterthought, she said she's quite sure she could make it, but might end up working late, and insisted that I call her before our agreed meeting.
This, despite being well-aware that I have no easy access to a telephone.
So I said, Sure, if I can find a public telephone.
I decided I would catch the agreed 8.30pm screening no matter how that turned out.
At 8.15pm, I found a public telephone on my way to the cinema.
She was still at work, had been waiting for my call, but could get to the cinema in 15 minutes.
Now I felt guilty about calling late, because 'waiting for your call' left the impression of being ready to leave at a moment's notice for ages (or since the wait started). But ...
I still have to one thing to do at work and I don't know how long it will take.
Isn't it a bit late for that? I queried.
And we don't know if there're still tickets, and I can't call you.
Even so, isn't it a bit late for that? I repeated.
So you're still going to catch it?
Why lie?
She ended the call with a brusque 'bye'.
Ah well. I have done all that I can.
NB. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea turned out to be a simple fairy tale of sorts. It pales in comparison to Miyazaki's previous great adventures, but the art is expectedly adorable so go see it if you're in need of some light entertainment. Oh, and the theme song is going to stick in your head.
