Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CHECKING IN OR OUT (hotel/motel on vacation) (08/27/15)
-
TITLE: To stay or not to stay | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gregory Kane
09/02/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Ah, no. It was, er, a bit of a last minute decision.”
“That needn't be a problem,” she replied. “We have plenty of space. We opened up a new wing only last week. Of course most people prefer to make a reservation. That way they are sure of a warm welcome once they get here.”
“But you do accept walk-ins?”
“Of course. There are always some who leave it to the very last minute. We try to be as flexible as we possibly can.”
“I'm glad about that,” said the guest. “You see, I haven't quite decided that I definitely want to stay here.”
“You're not sure?”
“Well, no. Not exactly.”
“I see.”
“So I was wondering whether I could sign up for just two nights? Then we can perhaps discuss whether to extend my stay or not.”
Gabby chewed distractedly on a nail as she considered this.
“It is highly irregular,” she went on. “I don't… Let me just check with my supervisor.”
Several minutes slipped by while Gabby spoke on the phone. The guest looked round the spacious reception, noting how peaceful and relaxed the other arrivals seemed to be. It truly was a magnificent place.
“I have been advised that we can squeeze you in,” she said at last. “Here is your key pass as well as a map of the complex. The grounds are quite extensive, so try not to get lost! Ariel here will show you to your room.”
******************
“I want to check out.”
“Really? Are you quite sure?”
“Immediately,” the guest insisted, slamming the gold key-card on the marble counter. “I've made a huge mistake and I need to leave at once. Right now.”
“I'm very sorry to hear that,” said Gabby, calling up the guest's records on her terminal. “May I enquire what it was that you didn't like? The management always appreciates constructive feedback.”
“I, er...” the guest began, feeling slightly embarrassed over the unnecessary outburst. “It's a nice enough place, I suppose. There's certainly been no expense spared on the furnishings. I can honestly say that I have never before seen solid gold plumbing! The meals were exquisite and the range of wines most impressive. But it's all much too quiet for my liking.”
“You didn't sample the entertainment?”
“Oh, yes. The musical numbers were incredible. And the harmonies that filled the auditorium were quite frankly out of this world. I have never in my life heard anything like it. I even took in a couple of the seminars and my mind was stretched in ways that I would never have dreamed possible.”
“That all sounds very positive. So why are you unhappy?”
“Well, it's the… You know, the...”
“The spiritual focus?”
“Exactly. I think I mentioned when I arrived that I wasn't entirely convinced. It was all a bit of a last minute decision, you see. I didn't really know what I was signing up for.”
“And now you've changed your mind?”
“I'm really sorry,” the guest replied, ever so sheepishly. “I appreciate all that's been done for me, honest. The thing is that I've heard about this other place. I've got a brochure here.”
Gabby glanced down at the glossy leaflet: “Abaddon? Sounds like a nightclub.”
“It says here that they offer exotic dancing, hard liquor, wild partying, and an array of licentious entertainments. That sounds much more like the sort of thing I'm looking for.”
“I see. Then that's clearly your decision made. Let me just check you out... There's a taxi stand around the corner from the front entrance.”
“You don't think that I'm making a mistake?”
“That's not for me to say. You may find, however, that the establishment in question does not quite live up to its advertising.”
Gabby didn't notice the guest's hurried departure. When she next looked up from her terminal, it was to greet another new arrival.
“Welcome to Paradise,” she said with a smile. “Do you have a reservation?”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Well done.
God bless~