A Gust of Applause

The canvas tote ceased its jolting travels, plonked down squarely upon the slatted wood of an outdoor park bench! Peeking over the sturdy hem, I surveyed my grand amphitheater: towering trees whispering in anticipation and an expanse of open sky. Right beside the bag lay an abandoned, glossy promotional flyer folded like a tent. Seizing this discarded piece of paper, I thrust both arms beneath its creased cardboard ribbing, hoisting it upright as a grandiose theatrical backdrop. Just then, an unruly gust of wind caught the flyer—threatening a stage disaster! But rather than ducking, I leaned my full weight forward into the rush, planting my heels against the splintered wood as the parchment billowed around me like a vibrant carnival pavilion. Ha! The elements themselves audition to be my backdrop!