Community

[Alex Asher]

 

The camera opens up on a parking lot with people setting up for what looks to be some sort of event. Speakers are being tested, folding tables are being unfolded, and trays of food covered in aluminum are being arranged with care. The volunteers represent a wide array of cultural backgrounds with a strong presence of people of color. Among them is Jacob Hawk, wearing a black-and-white a weathered vest covered in pins, patches, and anti government slogans. He picks up a heavy box labeled “BACKPACKS” and carries it over to a table, unloading them and placing them on an empty table.

The camera cuts through the bustling crowd, passing by a group grilling food, setting up tables and other equipment. The camera lands on Mistico. He scans the crowd, then spots Hawk. A smirk creeps onto his face. He adjusts his mask and makes his way toward him.

Jacob looks up, a bit thrown.

 

Jacob Hawk: Mistico? What are you doing here?

 

El Grand Mistico(shrugging with casual flair):I heard there was a charity event and I decided to stop by. You know Mistico—Mistico loves the kids.

 

Jacob Hawk (raising an eyebrow, still unloading): Yeah? Well, we ain’t just handin’ out balloons and taking pictures. This is about real help. We got food, we got hygiene kits, we got fresh clothes, boots, blankets. We even got books for the kids!

 

Jacob gestures proudly to a nearby crate.

The camera pans down to reveal a box full of hardback copies of The Anarchist Cookbook, Assata: An Autobiography, and a stack of zines with titles like Burn the Crown, Feed the Poor. Camera slowly pans back up to Mistico, who stares with a cocked eyebrow through his mask.

 

El Grand Mistico:....Yeahhh, right. Books for the kids.

 

Jacob Hawk(completely serious): Knowledge is power.

 

Mistico(holding back a smirk): Power's great, but maybe start 'em with The Giving Tree, buddy.

 

They both share a brief laugh Jacob crosses his arms, giving Mistico a once over.

 

Jacob Hawk: You know, I gotta admit. I didn’t have “Mistico showing up to my community drive” on today’s bingo card.

 

El Grand Mistico (grinning under the mask): And I didn’t expect to be greeted with a box of revolutionary bedtime stories. But here we are.

 

Jacob Hawk (chuckles): Hey, don't knock it. You’d be surprised how many kids ask for the one about dismantling capitalism.

 

Mistico: Sure they’re not just looking for the pictures?

 

Jacob Hawk: There are diagrams.

 

Mistico(laughs, then nods approvingly): Okay, okay, I respect it. You’re doing real work out here, man. I came thinking I’d hand out a few masks, maybe pose for some photos. I see you got the whole community moving.

 

Jacob Hawk: Yeah, well… someone’s gotta show up who doesn’t vanish once the cameras stop rolling.

 

Mistico raises both hands playfully.

 

Mistico: Hey, hermano, don’t lump me in with the suit-and-tie charity squads. I care about my community.

Jacob Hawk: Hey you're here aren't you?

 

Mistico: Fair enough 

 

A nearby teen calls Mistico over to sign a OCW magazine. He holds up a finger to Jacob.

 

Mistico: One sec, Duty calls.

 

He heads over, signs the magazine, takes a quick selfie, then strolls back to the table, cracking his knuckles.

 

Mistico:Alright, bet. Let's get to work.

 

They both chuckle and start working side by side, handing out supplies. The camera pulls back on the two wrestlers joking and passing out supplies together, surrounded by music, laughter, and community before fading to black.