Our Duet

A classy cougar anthro transformation, as delivered by a 'stripéd star of stage and screen' to 'our intrepid tresspasser' as she explores a run-down theater. Mature.

Oh darling, come in, come in. Do forgive the dust, it’s been ages, simply ages. Always a delight to meet an appreciator of the arts. What else could have called you to the Starlight Odeon? Don’t try to deny it, I see the sparkle in your eyes.

Sweep your light over red carpet and gilded balustrade. Pause a moment and admire the playbills. Look, past the curling edges and faded color, to the smiles and scowls, the lavish costumes, the storied names… ‘The magnificent Xandra, mistress of the mind, mesmerizes and mystifies weeky.’ ‘Don’t miss the irresistible comedy sensation – Dames and Molls, starring Myna Markova and Augusta Sullivan, live!’ ‘Exclusive, exceptional, exquisite! Musical performance by Josephine DeMille, stripéd star of stage and screen. Two nights, only at the Starlight Odeon.’

Why, who could that ravishing tigress be…? That little smile curling your lips, the flash of recognition—are we a fan of my work? Or just a fan of my looks, perhaps. Oh my, a camera? You’re not with the press, are you? I kid, I kid. You’re here looking for atmosphere, for beauty. Snap as many shots as you like. It’s a flattering illustration to be sure, though I’m far more stunning in person. You’ll see soon enough, darling, but the night is young and there’s much more to see.

This way, this way. Don’t mind the floorboards, you’d creak too if you were as old. The box office here, the coat check there. Imagine for a moment: conversation warm and bubbling beneath the sparkling chandelier, the quiet hum of oboe and string as the orchestra tunes like the softness of slumber ushering you into a dream. Close your eyes, and you can just feel the anticipation, in spite of how many years have passed.

And through these doors—give them a push, dear—right through these doors, there it is, where dreams come true: the Starlight’s stage. Do forgive the state of things; the ceiling plaster’s seen better days, no one’s swept the aisles in ages; the seats are only filled with memory now. But what memories they are! Can you feel them? They’re still here, still waiting for the curtain to rise, for the show to go on.

Shine your flashlight on the stage: a little spotlight of your own. All you’d need is for the curtains to part, for someone to walk out onto center stage and say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome…”