Hotel 20k

Euphoric! It was that feeling, that very special sensational feeling. Euphoria!, I think. As I stand in the airport boarding my flight to Manhattan, New York. Thinking back on the time I wanted this , I planned this and I dreamt of this and now I can barely contain the euphoria now that I'm living this as I swipe my boarding pass. I take my window seat and watch out the window as the plane takes off.

Five months ago I couldn't imagine that I'd be here. I was so consumed by my life, my job, that I worked so passionately to secure. I realize that my dreams can now become a reality. I remember that same feeling of euphoria as I read the list of dream travel destinations, written in my little black book.

More strange sensations come over me as I thought of all the trials that was overcome. A get away was well deserved indeed. Why not a get away to my childhood dream destination. Now, I'm in the lobby of the New York hotel getting my room key.

When I walk in the sun light fills the room. An enchanting room with wall to wall windows, with a large bed along the window, a fire place, and intoxicating views of the city of New York. All mine for two weeks. I woke up the next day to watch the sun come up over the city. I take in the room as orange glow paints the walls and soaks in to my skin.

That's when I notice it. The small closet in the corner of the room, that I didn't notice was there the day before. It had a narrow door and a golden door knob, unlike the other doors in the room which were bronze. Upon opening the door, I find a small satchel and a little black book, sitting on top, similar to my own satchel and black book, so similar, I thought I might have been a little buzzed from the wine from last night. Unlike mine, this black book wasn't filled with sketches, ideas, poems, travel destinations and doodles, but one note on a single page of the book.

Inside the satchel was strange and unbelievable. It was $20,000. I had never been more perplexed. It like something that happens in movies. I look through the bag and back through the black book to find the owner or any claim to the satchel but nothing. I take the bag to the reception so they can have a better chance of returning it to the previous guest of the room, I return to my room and to my surprise the satchel that I returned was sitting at my window with the little black book and the money sitting on top of the bag.

I did not know what to think of it. What does this mean? What is this? What do I do? I wouldn't even know where to begin. I open the black book and read the note.

"This day and every other day, Shall be an extraordinary day, should you accept it that way"

Just this single note on a single page through the whole book. Like something I heard before, like on a fortune cookie. I ponder the words that accompany this strange inheritance. I look at the views of the city before my window and think, "maybe, this can be a dream destination after all.

I take the money and the black book and put it in my own bag with along with my own black book. Next thing I know I'm on the street $20,000 richer. There's something intoxicating about it, being able to be out here with this money in my pocket, makes everything more enchanting than before.

I suddenly get an excellent idea to take a helicopter tour, or perhaps visit a day spa and get the best message, or anything I can get for $1000.

By the afternoon, I am starving. I was so distracted by the morning I forgot breakfast. I could eat anything I want but I choose to keep it simple. Besides, I did come to New York for the little things. I devour the best slice of pizza I ever had as I head to Moma.

I heading to the hotel from the subway station when the sun is going down. When I am approached.

"You from here"

I hesitate to answer but I don't stop walking.

He jumps in front of me and blocks my path. I run as fast as I can

until I get to the street and call an Uber.

I get to the hotel and pour a glass of wine to calm myself down. I then realize that I was missing my bag. I was immediately hit with devastation. As I ponder the way the evening transpired.

If I had not had the money, I would not have run from the stranger believing they were after my money. I also wouldn't be as devastated If I had left my bag in the Uber. I'm even more disappointed in myself that I could allow myself to be changed that way.

I go take a bath, order dinner, and watch tv as I fall asleep.

I wake up, astonished. For my bag and the money is sitting on the bed next to me. With the same message in that black book.

I immediately take the book and the money and the satchel and throw into the fireplace and light it with the matches that came with the room.

Never to be tempted again. However still believing.......

"This day and every other day, Shall be an extraordinary day, should you accept it that way".