The Blue Sapphire

The Lottery

The family gathered around the table for breakfast on a bright Sunday morning.Mom, Dad, Regina,Rebecca, and Rexy were the five members of the family.Dad was reading the newspaper as Mum prepared pancakes for the kids."Now hurry up kids, we have to go to the store and do some grocery shopping," Mum said. "I spotted a poster outside the market yesterday saying that everything is 50% off from 9 to 10 a.m.""Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!! That means I can get the Super Choco cookie for a low cost and win the lottery!"Woo-hoo!!!" cried Regina, who was a Mary Poppins fan."Hold your horses, kid. "What's all this lottery thing all about?" Dad said furiously."Dad, there's a number within the Super Choco cookie packet that we need to phone and enroll in the family lottery, and if we win, we win free tickets to 'The Grande Inn,' the most luxurious and extravagant inn in town," Regina said."I am certain that we will win," Rebecca stated confidently."All right, then to the market."Mum said.

Mum and the children went to the supermarket and purchased veggies, milk, snacks, and, most importantly, the Super Choco cookie. When the family finally returned, they placed the cookie in the middle of the table and huddled around the phone, ecstatic.

The Grand Inn

The family rang the number included within the packet and waited for someone to answer their call. After a few seconds, a young guy took up the phone and said, "Hello, this is Super Choco Cookie lottery win." "How may I help you?"

"We'd want to enter the family lottery." "All right, sir, please tell me your name and a number between 5-15," Dad said.

"My name is Mark Hopps, and I select number ten," Dad said.

"All right, sir, the results will be announced tonight at 6 p.m. at Mabelle Park." Thank you, and best of luck!" The man hung up after saying this.

"Mabel Park?" "I'd never heard of that before," Mum remarked.

"Oh, I know Mabelle is close to my friends. But I'm not sure I know how to get there." "No problem, we'll use gps," Dad responded. It was soon time for lunch, and Mum and Dad were preparing the meal as the kids played catch and throw in the yard. The family dressed up after lunch to go to Mabelle Park. Finally, they arrived at their destination before an hour had gone to tour the area. Then came the most awaited moment. "And the lottery winners are," stated the announcer, "Mr. Mr. Mark Hopps and James Brown." And the family had won! They couldn't believe what they were hearing and burst out laughing! The next day was a Saturday and the family packed their bags all set to go to 'The Grand Inn'

"Alright everyone let's check our things before we leave," said Dad in a stern voice. "Regina help me out dear"

"Backpack?" asked Dad

"Check" said Regina

"Sunscreen and lotions?"

"Check"

"Tickets?"

"Check"

"Snack bars"

"Check"

"Electronic devices?"

"Check...*huge sigh* Oops! Sorry Rexy"

"How many times have I told you not to bring devices on a family trip Rexy??" Dad said in anger. "Sorry, Dad I'll put them away ri-ri-right now." Stammered Rexy in fright. Then he took out his video game console which he hid under his cap. They quickly got into the car and drove away. Rebecca is a bookworm and imagined that the inn had a library full of books. "Oh!" she exclaimed dreamily. "I wish there was a library inside." The family arrived at their location after a half-hour journey. "The grand Inn here we come," Mum exclaimed cheerfully. With these words, the family entered the magnificent inn. They were taken aback by the architecture and uniqueness of the inn as they stepped in. There was a crystal white chandelier hanging above, and the space featured white comfy sofas with marble flooring that was also white. A concierge then brought themThe concierge informed the family about the inn's amenities as they walked to their room. "There is a swimming pool outside the garden, and there is a café where you may help yourself to coffee, tea, or snacks for free if you get a coupon from the helpdesk on the first floor." And then Rebecca said, "Is there a library here?" "Yes, we do have a library on the third level with books for all ages, even toddlers!" said the concierge. Rebecca's face lit up with joy. "Is there a baseball field and a video game room?" Excitedly, Rexy asked. "We do have a video game area, but no room to play baseball," the concierge gently replied. Finally, after answering all the questions the fa"It's time for me to leave, sir. If you have any problems, please ring 20945 and we will resolve them right away." Sir, Happy Holidays." The concierge then walked away. The family quickly became comfortable in their room and enjoyed it. It was amazing! They had a closet, two bathrooms, and four beds. A perfumed flower was in the vase, and there was a phone on the side table beside the bed. They dressed up and walked down to the inn's restaurant for lunch. After lunch, the family divided up their activities. Rebecca went to the library, while Mum, Dad, and Regina went swimming. Rexy went to the video game room. The staycation ended after three days, and the family returned home.