Shadow Beach
"Welcome back, Mr. Brooks," said the young woman behind the counter. "And you too Ms. Hiller. Just couldn't stay away could you?" She was dressed in a light pink bikini, despite the air-conditioned room. A small necklace hung from her neck with a tab that said, "Joyce." We smiled in response.
A short story by Daniel Verastiqui
© Daniel Verastiqui. All Rights Reserved.
"Welcome back, Mr. Brooks," said the young woman behind the counter. "And you too Ms. Hiller. Just couldn't stay away could you?" She was dressed in a light pink bikini, despite the air-conditioned room. A small necklace hung from her neck with a tab that said, "Joyce." We smiled in response.
It was a harmless comment for sure, but it struck a nerve in me, considering that this trip was one of those save-your-relationship ordeals. We had come here the first time out of curiosity, found the place to our liking, and had talked of it many times in the years following. So when we started on a rocky part of our relationship, we both decided it was time to do something about it. There were counselors and support groups, but neither of those really appealed to us. We thought about the best times we had shared and it all came back to this resort. A couple thousand dollars and an 8-hour flight later, we were standing in the reception area for Love Resort.
"Well, just let me get your welcome package in order and you'll be on your way. The next ferry leaves in about 20 minutes, good timing guys!" said Joyce, smiling brightly. "In the meantime, please review these safety procedures and important guidelines." She pushed two white cards in front of us and I couldn't help but notice her long, slender, ring-less fingers.