Crispy Fries (2023)

On a normal shift at the snack stand, Gerda meets David just before closing time. He orders extra crispy fries and a hot dog. While David talks about himself and his travel plans to Hawaii without pause, Gerda prepares his order. David reads her one of his calendar jokes, thanks her and says goodbye. 
On the second day, David tries to play Gerda one of his guitar pieces, she turns up the radio and serves him his order. He tries particularly hard to read out today's calendar joke, but Gerda doesn't understand it and doesn't find it funny either.
When David orders on the third day, Gerda is happy to see him again. He asks her about the sad music she listens to every day and talks again about Hawaii and how great his future life there will be. Gerda's opinion that one place does not solve any problems, she tells him. He disagrees.
On the fourth day Gerda is harassed by two drunken men (Martin and Peeter), David tries to help her and gets punched in the face. Gerda has no understanding for his attempt to help, so he goes home without eating.
David's order on the fifth day is on the house. Today's joke is about a daughter and a mother. Gerda immediately withdraws emotionally and David leaves her alone.
On the sixth day, David approaches Gerda about her daughter. A picture of the two of them hangs on the back wall of the snack bar. They are no longer in contact, so David tries to cheer Gerda up. He writes down his number and asks her to give it to her daughter Inge. David has learned an Estonian song on the guitar and proudly plays it. Gerda enjoys his company and listens carefully.
On the eighth day, David is not feeling very well. Then the two workmen Martin and Peeter come and make fun of him. Gerda helps him by refusing to sell them burgers.
Early in the morning on the ninth day, the regular customer asks Gerda about her new music on the radio. She tries to tell one of David's jokes, the regular doesn't understand why she is suddenly talking so much and turns away.
David comes by at noon and says goodbye. Today he is flying to Hawaii. He brings a small figure as a gift to remind Gerda of her dreams and of him. Gerda has forgotten that he is not staying long and cannot cope with the sudden sadness. She withdraws.
In the evening, while she is cleaning, she sees the figure and takes the photo of herself with her daughter. Together with David's number, she hangs it back and calls Inge.

Keywords: self-discoveries | family | View all »