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Maple Leaf Mansion Escape From Reality

A Short Fiction Excursion Starring The Woodbine Claimers

By Marc OBrienPublished about a year ago 4 min read

With all the favorites nowhere around David headed north to the Maple Leaf Mansion, planted deep inside the Woodbine forest. Mature single fillies resided throughout the property, spending their time claiming things, not worrying about the truth. On this day, David, an American states man travelled across the border, wanting reward points he earned mare and square.

“You know with Mrs. Hot Shot out of the money,” the entrepreneur individual strategized reading the past performance ratings, “Zodiac Beach, voted winner in many travel publications, could find itself as a social mecca, servicing Maple Leaf Mansion inhabitants.”

“I cannot wait to get there,” the honest adventurer concluded.

Without much warning the oasis appeared and the next thing David knew, he was checking in, “So, you came here to visit our beautiful Zodiac Beach,” the registration resort employee inquired, creating pleasant conversation.

“Yes,” David confirmed.

“Here is your key,” She instructed reading a script, “when you open the blinds, look out and relish the postcard scenery show, this visual experience will create smiles for David.”

“That is my name,” David innocently replied seeing the workers eyes leave the corporate provided welcoming material.

David pressed the golden elevator up button, and immediately the operator requested, “which floor? Sir,”

“Third please,” David answered.

While riding the lift the courteous companion continued, “you know everything is legally charitable in this place, remember that when your Uncle Sam visits, your receipts.”

Stepping out David wondered what he meant, finding himself distracted, quickly dispensing any thoughts, unlocking the room. Not much later, enjoying a happy hour beverage, using hotel provided binoculars on the balcony, his calm serenity suddenly was interrupted when one of the claiming vets declared a loud gossip tidbit and the report silenced the pounding surf.

“Mia and Me are no longer, our relationship is scratched from today’s program,” the announcement informed patrons about the visitor’s new found freedom.

“Oh, that’s too bad,” many patrons responded.

Moving his attention across the sandy landscape David saw a winning player showing her cards, “four aces high,” David read lips and within a second identified the losing hand, “that’s the legendary Midnight Arkle.”

Going back into the room star struck, David found the brochure stack and filtered through the glossy advertisements, admiring one creative endeavor, “If You Are Out Of Money, In The Red, Race For Pink Before Your Ship Sinks.”

Starting to laugh, David headed over and picked up the house phone, paging the operator, “Does that tricky magician have a show tonight?”

Filled with inspiration, hope and guidance, Zakahari took a second and peacefully scrolled through the perfect play he wrote during a professional sabbatical, trying to figure out why at the late minute the idea ended up scratched.

“Who allowed the wine steward of all people into the decision-making conversation,” Zakahari grimaced when Moddassha, the assistant in the show entered the dressing room.

“Sugar it’s Eli,” she alerted her partner about the winning guest.

“Eli,” Zakahari outstretched his hand, “I have not seen you since.”

“Trinity Park,” Eli finished the sentence, “you were out of the money.”

“Who told you I was out of the money?”

Quickly seeing the tension mount Moddassha put her hands on Zakahari’s shoulders, “easy, honey those who do claiming. find themselves in a place, they may not want to be.”

End Day One

Years ago, Zakahari received a starter option to do claiming, and this critical privileged honor was placed into the theatrical wizard’s back pocket tempting the performer, ‘go to the Woodbine Forest and Maple Leaf Mansion”.

Immediately, Zakahari defended his inner turf encouraging Moddassha, to flash her googly eyes and earn a casting role. Displaying the powerful glance started their artistic courtship and the sweet serenade nearly put Zakahri out of the money. Finally, he gained some courage and took a second, requesting, “Moddy, text me up.”

Following a few rehearsals, the duo decided they would ‘choose to be happy’ creating a winning pair.

House lights dimmed cuing the stage ones ‘command attention’, David already ordered his comfortable cocktail seeing winning sweet passions displayed between Zakahari and Moddassha despite their long shot relationship possibilities.

“I tell you this enchanted forest place does wonders,” the maturing adult concluded watching the two dance to the rhythm in the show.

David stood up applauding, acknowledging the final act, realizing if they relied solely on suspenseful scary speedy magic tricks the entertainment troupe would be out of the money. Instead, the intertwining choreographed song and dance number made for an unforgettable evening while the thought-provoking illusion added uncharted spice.

When the curtain dropped ending the power play, David met the talents in the lobby outstretching his hand in a friendly gesture.

“That was truly fabulous,” he told them thrilled, they flawlessly worked together despite all the negative deception plaguing Maple Leaf Mansion fantasy trips.

Holiday

About the Creator

Marc OBrien

Barry University graduate Marc O'Brien has returned to Florida after a 17 year author residency in Las Vegas. He will continue using fiction as a way to distribute information. Books include "The Final Fence: Sophomores In The Saddle"

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