The lights just went off and darkness filled the room. Missing Steve suddenly starting coming back. I know that he would have probably went out and tried to help fix the electrical problem. All I can do is fill up the bed with cushions as a protective barrier.
I close my eyes and fall asleep.
“Dear,wake up!” Steve’s sweet voice.
* knock knock*
I wake up and take my flashlight with me towards the door.
“Hello?”
“Hello ma’am it’s Sheila from reception. I just wanted to check up on you. Is ma’am okay?” Sheila says with a concerned look
“I’m doing quite fine dear. Are the other guests doing okay?”
“Yes,ma’am. Everyone is safe. I just don’t think you being alone and at uhm..your age being alone in this room while the lights are out is okay.”
“Well,dear you can keep me company until the lights are back on . I would not mind.” I say as i motion at the sofa.
“Okay,ma’am ” She says as she walks in and sits down.
“Well dear I can’t offer you any coffee or anything. Since you know the power is down.” I say with a chuckle.
“Ah,its okay ma’am. Maybe next time.” She says with a uncomfortable chuckle.
“You know you remind me of my daughter when she was your age. She seemed so lost at the time. Trying to fit in with peers and self soothing with alcohol.” I say as i sit down on my bed.
The storm seems to be calming down as to listen to my story.
“Oh really ma’am?”
“Yes,well. That was a different time. I could not assume the same of you Ms Sheila.” I say intently
“Ma’am is actually right. My life has been tough. With not much support coming from family. Having fun at parties and drinking. It made me feel like I fitted in somewhere. I mattered. “
” That is what I thought until one day while I was out partying with friends. The cops arrested my mom for carrying drugs in her car. Drugs that my then boyfriend hide under one of the seats.” She says while see stares at the sky
“I’m slowly working on it ma’am. I truly appreciate your kindness and not judging me like anyone else.”
I move over to Sheila and give her a hug.
“It’s okay dear.”
” And thank you for being a friendly with me and helping me out. It’s alot more than most have done since my husband has died.”
“We all do need one another in this life.” I say with a smile.
Just then the power comes back on and the room is filled with light.
~~~~
Ella taps on the figure’s what seems to be shoulder. Just then the lights in the passageway come on and what seemed to be a figure was actually only a food menu poster.
We all burst out laughing at our mistake. The ringtone goes off again and it comes from my sister’s bag this time. She opens the bag and her tablet is lit up.
*Incoming call: Mom*
Krissy answers.
“Hello Mom”
“Hi sweety. Are you guys okay?”
“Yes,mom we are heading back to the room now”
“Okay, please keep safe and come back soon!”
“Okay mom”
“Love you-“
“I guess that’s our cue to go isn’t it?” I say
“Yup” says Krissy sadly
“I gotta go Billy.”
“Okay Carter. See you around bro”
“See you around” I say as we walk away
“I saved your number Ella.” Krissy says
“Can’t wait for your call. Bai” Ella says with a cute cartoonish wave.
~~~~
The storm finally went away and the next day came smiling as if nothing ever happened.
Management decided that as staff of the Congrego Hotel we should all stand and greet off our guests in front.
A decision that I think was well thought of.
We all gather at the front of the hotel in order of our duties.
One by one the guests come walking out with their luggage and a smile. Knowing that we all survived a battle that will always be remembered.
I put a genuine smile and wave them off. It’s not until Mrs Marron comes walking down. A little old lady that I’ve grown fond of. One that I actually consider a friend. I try to hold my tears from falling.
“I will miss you too dear.” She says
“Most definitely ma’am.” I say as I fluff my tears away.
“Please come visit me whenever you get the chance. “
“I will ma’am. One day. One day very soon” I say with a smile thinking back to our first meeting.
The last family that comes down is one that I can recall because of their peculiar last name “Rwanda. Rwandie” Something along those lines.
I wave the parents goodbye and I smile at the kids. Following the parents at the back like 2 chicks .
The End