AS the ending credits rolled, and the theater lights brightened, Astrid felt a swell of emotion. This was his first lead role in this life, after all. And he wasn't being biased—what he'd just watched was genuinely good. The story itself was simple, but the cinematography, the direction, even the performances from the whole cast lifted it into something special. He couldn't help but feel proud of what they'd created together.
And that's when they heard the applause from the audience. It started quiet, scattered—then grew louder and louder until it filled the whole theater.
"Go on, you two—go thank the audience," Director Hale said suddenly, her smile warm and proud, clearly thrilled with how everything had turned out.
