A Hidden Destiny

The Hill Hotel

I was in total awe of the foyer and reception area. It was absolutely beautiful. Not at all what I was used to. I normally liked my furnishings modern and materialistic, but this was like walking into an old cottage deep in the forest. Dark wood covered the floors. The walls were white with different paintings and long, dark curtains framed the windows. To my left was a seating area with a couch and two chairs. They were facing an impressive fireplace, made out of grey stone. I could smell the fire, smell the wood burning in it. The room was spacious with high ceilings and wooden beams. It looked like a lovely place to sit down and read a book. The wall next to the seating area was covered in a huge window overlooking the lush trees. In front of me was the reception desk, made entirely out of wood in the same color as the floor. Behind the desk sat an aging lady with a warm smile and greying hair.

“Welcome to The Hill Hotel, dear”, she said. “I sure hope my husband took good care of you”, she stated. I smiled and looked from her eyes to the man behind me, my driver. “Oh”, I said as I realized whom she was talking about. “He sure did. It was a very pleasant drive. Thank you for proposing the airport pick-up, it saved me a lot of trouble and stress”, I said.

She stood up from her chair and smiled again. “Don’t mention it, dear. I know how stressful it can be in the airport. We want our guests to feel relaxed when they stay with us. If we can do anything to make your stay here anymore comfortable, don’t hesitate to reach out, okay, dear?” Just as I was about to say something, she continued, “Well, let’s get you checked and then Thomas will show you to your room.”

I went to the desk and dug out my papers and passport from my bag. “So, what brings you here? It’s out of tourist season”, she asked. I looked down at my passport for a brief second, wondering how I should reply without telling too much about myself. “Something about this place just called to me” I replied, smiling and gesturing to our cozy surroundings. “This place is beautiful”, I added. “Well thank you, dear. This place means a lot to us. We are happy to accommodate you anytime!” she beamed at me.

“I need you to sign here while I make a copy of your passport” she said as I looked at the document she handed me. “Down here, dear” she added and pointed to the line I was supposed to sign, maybe thinking I couldn’t find it. I looked up to say something, but I just saw her retreating back, as she went through a doorway, probably towards a copy machine. I looked down at the document again and, with my left hand, tucked a piece of stray hair behind my ear. My full name, birthday, payment method and so on were listed at the very top of the document. I looked at dates. Everything was correct.

“Everything all right, dear?” she asked. “Oh, yes! I was just wondering if I could extend my stay, if needed?” I replied. “Of course, no problem, you just let me know, dear, and I’ll make the arrangements,” she smiled. I signed the line on the bottom of the document and handed it back with a thank you and a small smile. “Well, breakfast opens from 7:30 am until 10 am, it’s just through the door next to the stairs” she pointed. “Also if you need any recommendations about food, shopping, hiking or whatever, we have these brochures, or just ask” she handed me a couple of brochures as she continued “Your room number is 22 and is located on the second floor. Thomas has already carried your bags upstairs. Oh now, there he is! Thomas, dear, will you show Miss Williams to her room?” she asked her husband. It was kind of hard not to like her, even though she talked a lot. “Any questions?” she asked. “No, thank you Mrs…?” “Oh, just call me Catherine, dear” she quickly added. “Well, thank you Catherine.” I smiled and she gestured me to follow her husband. And so I did.