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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: START (02/25/16)
Linda threw back the sheets and sat up in bed. A lamp in the far corner of the room was casting a warm glow. She stood up and started to shuffle across the room, headed for the coffee maker, unaware of developments that had occurred during the night.

She poured the steaming fluid into a Styrofoam cup, tore open the packets of cream and sugar, and then added them in and stirred. Should I read first, and then exercise? She carefully placed the cup to her lips and took two short sips. Ahh, a day of leisure, she mused. Then her tranquil thoughts quickly ended, as the door to the room burst open, and in he marched, with fire in his eyes.

"They did it to us again Linda," he fumed, "They took more money out last night, two-hundred and seventy-six this time. Now we're in to this room for twelve hundred and fifty dollars, and our account is in the red. I had to transfer some money just now so we wouldn't bounce anything.

Linda gaped in disbelief. "No way. You mean they took out the four-ninety-six twice, and then billed us again for two-ninety-six? That's crazy," she cried.

"Yeah, and I just talked to the clerk at the front desk; she said it shows that another seven-hundred is being placed on hold. We're not going to have enough money to get home. I am so mad," he growled.

"How can they do that?"

"I don't know, but they did, and all our money in that account is frozen until they release it." He glanced at his watch. "I can't deal with this right now; my class starts at eight, so you'll have to handle this. I told her we were outta here and will never be back. So, after you deal with the manager and try to get our money back, then find another place to stay for the rest of the week, 'cause we're not staying here."

Jeff's rants continued relentlessly, like waves crashing against her ears. Linda felt heat rising in her chest. How dare they take our money and control our bank account. Scheduling five days in a comfortable hotel was turning into a nightmare. Although it was Jeff who boldly declared war against the hotel, she would be the one fighting the battle.

Later that morning…

Linda's heart raced as she approached the clerk at the front desk. She felt her own face flushing red like it always did when she was upset. "I'm sure my husband explained to you how angry we are about our charges." The woman solemnly nodded. "This has to be corrected right away," Linda demanded with a quiver in her voice, and handed the woman a written note. "These charges need to be cancelled IMMEDIATELY," she said, giving the woman a stern look.

Expressionless, the woman responded, "I'll let the manager know about the problem when she gets in," then silently stared back at Linda.

"When is she getting in?"

"Nine o'clock."

"Okay, I want to speak to her as soon as she gets in," Linda huffed with frustration, then turned and walked back to the elevator and pushed the button.

Later that day…

The manager looked at Linda warmly and politely assured her, "I've taken care of everything. All of the charges against your account have been reversed. I'm not sure why this happened, but I fixed it and released any holds there were. I am so sorry this happened. I'm here all day, so if you need to speak to anyone further about this, please don't hesitate to contact me."

Linda took a deep breath of relief as she smiled at the woman, yet a wave of regret swept over her.

What kind of witness have I been … patient and kind? Why did I lose my cool like that. And why was I worried so much? The Lord was in control all the time.

Then she remembered, "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20.

Linda realized she needed a new start, to go back to her first love, to the place where her walk with Christ began. With new revelation, she suddenly longed, like a child, to run to her Lord and embrace Him.

She learned something that day. She would start trusting her Lord again.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Bowden 
03/03/16
I think Linda had a reason for her frustration, but I'm glad she decided to leave the result in God's hand. Nicely written story.
Jenny Fulton 
03/03/16
Great job creating a sense of mystery and suspense at the beginning of the story! It was an interesting read with a poignant lesson.
Pat Small
03/04/16
Well done, nice suspense. Tiny red ink: timeline. Hubby has to be at work at 8; then later in the morning wife goes to front desk where she's told manager will be in at 9. I think maybe the manager needed to be in later that day, or the wife needed to go down to the front desk immediately. Just a tiny detail.
C D Swanson 
03/05/16
Great job with the topic in content and delivery! I really thought this was well done.

Blessings~