Shorts

Dream Vacation

(a/n:  okay you guys, sorry for this straying from the intended storyline so many times.  I might actually take this down, rework it, add to it and repost is as something much more complete.)

"Hi, this is Sophie Adams, I wanted to call to do kind of a last minute check up on my travel plans."

Her bags were packed. Her cabin was booked. Her time off from work was scheduled and approved.

"Yes, I'm still here." Sophie listened as the woman on the other end of the line talked through everything her trip had to offer, including time schedules.

"Thank you so much, again. I appreciate it."

On her way to the airport, but still very much worried that something might to wrong, Sophie checked her brochure. The cabins were magnificent. Not big, but really pretty and just looking at them relaxed her.

Looking out of the cab's window as she neared the airport, she could see passenger planes on the tarmac and began the mental preparation for her flight. People fly everyday, and make their destinations with no problems. Planes do not fall from the sky at random. She was going to make it to Jeju Island safely, and her birthday week was going to be a blast.

"What do you mean, that company is not listed?" Sophie stared across the counter at the resort check-in desk.

"Ma'am, the address you gave belongs to this resort, those are our pictures, but we have no reservation for you and none of these numbers are valid." Smiling robotically, the reception clerk handed her back her itinerary and bowed slightly, moving on to the next customer.

"No. No....we need to get this taken care of. Isn't there someone I can talk to?" Sophie, waved an apology to the person in line behind her as she addressed the clerk again.

"The bungalow you wanted is still available, but not for the cost shown. Certainly not for the amount of time you wanted to stay. You are free to book the bungalow and most of the amenities will be included." Again, the robotic smile, but this time with folded hands.

"I already booked that bungalow. I showed you my receipts and everything."

"I don't know who you booked with, but we have no record of that sale. I am sorry."

That was the start of Sophie's great 35th birthday get away. She had been planning it for 5 years and still this was how it turned out.

Sitting on the beach, by herself, drinking wine coolers and determined not to cry or walk into the ocean, Sophie listened to music on her phone. The bungalow she had decided on/could afford, was more a hut than anything. It had a window a/c and she was grateful for it. It was round, with a grass looking roof and one and a half rooms. The half room was the toilet. There was no shower or tub, as she could only afford the community use area.

"Down this path and to the left. There is a brick building. Women on one side men on the other." The owner of this beach front establishment, who reeked of beer at the time, had walked her around the grounds. If she had been in a better mood, she would have enjoyed his company, the tour and the shelter. As it was...she was really contemplating walking into the ocean.

Beside her in the sand, her phone screen lit up. She had turned it on mute, not wanting to hear anymore birthday notifications. The memes had been cute this morning, but now at 11pm, she was done with it.

Taking another sip from her bottle, Sophie stared back out at the slow waves. It really was beautiful. The moon was full and reflected perfectly on the near still surface of the water. The air was mostly still warm, cooled periodically by the light breeze. Off in the distance, but moving closer, a party was kicking into high gear.