Short Stories Volume 1

"7 Not So Deadly Sins"

Everyone knows what the seven deadly sins are, but if you're one of the rarest that doesn't, allow me to inform you. They are Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath and Sloth. Religion has stated that they are examples of bad behavior that we should avoid at all cost. So it's no wonder that the church was enraged when a hotel called the 7 Not So Deadly Sins became famous. According to the owner when it first opened, he declared that it wasn't a hellish place. That his hotel was meant to inspire people to live to their fullest potential by helping them in whatever area in life they needed the most.

Naturally, people flocked to the hotel by the name alone. But once it's the ratings sky rocketed and the papers were saying all kinds of stories from people who had visited and then suddenly have their life take a turn for the better, it became one of the world's biggest attractions. So much so to the point that reservations were made eight months in advance.

The hotel itself had eight floors. Each floor corresponded to each sin. The staff and security were personally hired by the owner and management. No outside help of any kind was hired. No reporters of any kind were allowed inside and everyone who checked in had to sign a waver of silence if they wanted to stay and have whatever helped their lives be permanent. Everyone agreed, which left those who couldn't get in furious.

Now as was stated, seven sins meant seven floors. The eighth floor was the penthouse. The most reserved and strongest floor. Although no one has ever used the penthouse since its the hotel has been opened. Not until now.

Chris has led probably one of the most tragic lives that this generation could think of. For starters, since puberty he's struggled with not only eating right but thinking he was never good enough to the point that he would constantly push himself. Nothing was ever good in his eyes so he didn't know how to relax. Since his self esteem was practically non-existent, he couldn't bring himself to defend himself against any type of humiliation or bullying. Which also meant that his last date, if it can even be called that, was the middle school dance and his date left him for his lab partner. He can't muster the courage to ask his boss for a raise or a promotion.

Needless to say, he definitely fits as the perfect candidate to stay at the hotel. It took him a week to call to make a reservation, and three days later after reviewing his background, he was moved to the front of the list. Now he's standing in the lobby waiting for the receptionist to call him up.

He was shocked, as was everyone within earshot to hear that management arranged for him to have the penthouse. He tried arguing against it, saying that there must have been some sort of mistake. But the owner came to greet him and gave him the escort to the top.

"Well sir, this is where I leave you. Things will certainly be strange to you, but I assure you, everything they do is for a better life for you." the owner says.

Chris was confused when he said "everything they do". Who's they and what exactly are they going to be doing? Ignoring it, he simply went about unpacking his things into his new room. Not even an hour later, he was startled by a strange man in very vibrant purple suit. "Um, hi. Can I help you with something sir?" he asked politely.

"Quite the opposite. I'm here to help you. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Pride." the man in the purple suit replied. "Now for starters, I'm going to take a little peek into your mind. I have to see where the main issue lies and then I'll call on my brothers for their assistance and expertise."

Before he can ask or refuse, the man touched his head. He felt a small sensation, like someone running their hand gently across his head. It was over in a matter of seconds. "There. That wasn't so bad now was it? Let us begin, brothers." he says. He didn't hear the six men come in. They were all dressed in vibrant suits. Yellow, blue, green, orange and light blue.

Chris took longer than all the other guests that have stayed at the hotel. The seven men had their work cut out for them, but they never gave up. Pride partnered with each of his brothers for every problem that Chris had. First they started with his eating habits that began when he was a child. He and Gluttony worked to find the perfect diet so that he would be healthy and finally achieve the body that suited him best. Never eating to much or too little.

When it came to him and Greed, they helped to see that the work he's done for his job is spectacular and he should be paid as such. So after a few weeks of gaining his confidence, Chris finally called his boss and demanded he get a raise and the promotion that was offered.

Lust and him also worked on his confidence with his image. Lust set up a dating profile for him and helped navigate it. By the third week, Chris got a match with the woman he had liked for while now from his favorite coffee shop. Both Pride and Lust walked him through his dates until he was able to go out on his own.

Envy helped Chris see that he deserved to go after the house that he's been eyeing for the last month. Wrath assisted when someone insulted Chris for what he did for a living and was trying to humiliate him at the open house. Before, Chris could never muster up the courage to defend himself. Now, he was able to speak up for himself and set the man straight in a professional manner that impressed his date further.

Finally, Pride and Sloth convinced Chris that because his work although may never be perfect, is good enough. Not many could accomplish the deeds that he has done and he should be proud of it. After a while, Chris was able to relax and take the breaks he needed between work. They helped find hobbies that he could do in his spare time so that even though he is still doing something, it didn't revolve around work or physical labor.

In total, Chris stayed nine months in the penthouse. When the work was done, each of the men said goodbye and excused themselves until only Pride was left. As Chris was standing at the door, he waved one last time to Pride who gave the slightest smile and nod before disappearing.

Chris checked out of the hotel, a new person. Someone who can be proud of his life, his work and come to his beautiful new home to the woman who was soon to be his wife.