(I wrote this as an escape from realities of the pandemic and its lockdowns)

I sit alone on a cushy chair in the lobby of this fine hotel. It’s almost midnight and the night seems to be having its effect on people. Except on the people at reception. They seem to be as radiant as ever. An old gentleman sits a few places away, frantically searching for something in his notebook. A fidgety young lady walks to and fro as though she’s trapped in an unfamiliar dimension. There are others too ambling about, escaping from the rooms they paid so dearly for.

A luggage-laden car arrives in the portico. The hotel suddenly has a bit more energy. The newcomers’ accent gives them away even before I could see them (they’re Americans). The family shows all symptoms of having just endured a long flight. The father really looks like he could use a welcome drink. Their elder kid is understandably restless waiting to change into his pyjamas. The mother carries a sleeping baby. If it’s sleeping now, I realise their co-passengers wouldn’t have gotten any sleep in the flight. They check-in and the father leaves for the room with the kids. The lady decides to sit in the lobby for some time. She strikes up a conversation with me while enjoying her welcome drink. She asks me if I’d like to have one and almost asks a passing hotel staff for it. I quitely admire her for acting like she owns the place without being rude.

The lady wishes me a good night and leaves for her room. The old gentleman stands up looking satisfied with his search. It appears the fidgety young woman too found a portal out of her dimension. Calm descends. I know I’m not sleeping tonight. I walk towards the inviting small cafe that has been beckoning me for the last two hours. It’s surprisingly open. I get a mocha and a slice of carrot cake and carry it to the lobby, which now is totally deserted. As I sip my coffee, I find myself listening to the soft musical compositions playing in the lobby. Is it a Chopin? It’s hard to tell with my limited knowledge of music. I enjoy it nonetheless and soon the music and the coffee work their magic on me. I sit there a content man, as content as I have ever been. This trip has already been worth it.

La belle vie!