The Graveyard Hotel

If I had only one chance to do anything before I attempted to walk past those gates, it would be to say goodbye to the only people I’ve made a connection with. Clarissa and William.

I remembered the confusion on Clarissa’s face overshadowed by her hope and optimism.

I remembered the pain on William’s face and how he longed to return home more than anything else.

Both deserved a goodbye and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving without giving either of them one. In a split second decision, I turned back to face the Amulet Rosette as a sudden wave of doubt pierced through me. What if my departure failed and my goodbyes were for nothing? But what if I did make it past those gates, knowing I’d never return here again?

I turned back, passing the fountain, then the garden, my eyes lingering upon each flower, admiring each detail as though it might be my last.

I lingered in the magnificent lobby as though it was nothing more than a dream and I might wake up at any moment.

And then I saw Clarissa standing at the front desk. Her hands gripped its edges and her eyes seemed doubtful of Elara.

While I couldn’t make out the words she spoke to Clarissa, Elara’s eyes were soft and patient and her voice was soothing as though she was explaining the harsh realities of the world to a young child who had experienced them for the first time.

I stood frozen, my eyes transfixed on Clarissa as she slowly broke away from the front desk. I didn't move as she came toward me, her eyes heavy, just as William’s had been.

Her eyes met mine and she paused only briefly. “Nothing really does last forever.”

Her words sent a chill through me. Like what she spoke of was a finality.

I snuck a glance at Elara who sat behind the desk, her composure calm as though nothing had even happened. “What did she tell you?” I urged Clarissa, my voice barely above a whisper.

But Clarissa did not answer. Whatever hope that had once glinted in her eyes since the first day of her arrival had vanished.

She said not a word to me more as she turned to leave. I opened my mouth to call after her. I had so much more to ask her, but any such words failed to come out.

My eyes followed her as she proceeded through the lobby and down the long hallway until she was out of sight. My heart sunk. I knew I would deeply regret not saying goodbye to Clarissa.

From the shadows of the furthest end of the lobby, I took another glance at Elara who jotted something in a ledger. Of what? I could only guess. Records of arrivals? The way her chin rested against her palm. How she wrote with each quick yet careful stroke of the pen. It was as though she had done this a million times.

I was tempted to ask her about my departure just as Clarissa had. Then I remembered the hollow look of hopelessness on Clarissa’s face and instantly decided against it.

If I had lost my chance to say goodbye to Clarissa, I still had William to say goodbye to.

In the middle of passing through the lobby, an almost overwhelming sensation came over me that made me pause mid step and stare hypnotically at every structure of the lobby down to its gold trimmed walls.

For a fleeting second I thought of the possibility that this was nothing more than a fantasy, a dream one wishes to never wake up from and reconsidered my attempt to leave.

I forced myself past the waking vision and continued towards the entrance. My heart raced as I passed Elara again as though she might be able to read my mind and therefore know my plan.

“Quite an immaculate evening, isn’t it?”

I startled at the familiar soothing voice as Hermes stood at the entrance, his eyes bright with a smile on his face. The way he moved was ghostly. Always appearing out of nowhere and when I least expected it.

“It is. It’s absolutely perfect in every way,” I said. The words didn’t feel right as I spoke them. Like I didn’t believe them.

Hermes gazed up at the ceiling and all the elaborate designs carved into it. “Perhaps better than any earthly possession.”