The depth of short stories and micro-fiction 2

First Guest, Last Chance

Zachary stepped out of his pickup truck and gazed up at the abandoned psychiatric hospital, a massive structure that loomed over the small town of Crimson Valley like a ghostly monolith. He had always been drawn to the place, with its crumbling facade and overgrown gardens. Now, as the new owner, he was determined to breathe life back into its decaying halls.

His wife, Mirabelle, joined him, her eyes shining excitedly as she took in the view. "It's going to be beautiful, Zach," she said, slipping her arm through his. "Just imagine it – a boutique hotel, with rooms that overlook the town and the surrounding countryside."

Zachary smiled, his mind racing with the possibilities. They had sunk their life savings into this venture, but he was convinced it would pay off. The hospital had been abandoned for decades, a relic of a bygone era when psychiatric care was more akin to imprisonment than treatment. But with some TLC, he knew they could turn it into a thriving business.

The renovation process was gruelling, with endless scrubbing, painting, and hammering hours. But Zachary and Mirabelle were undeterred, working side by side to bring their vision to life. They hired local contractors to help with the heavy lifting, and slowly but surely, the hospital began to transform.

Six months later, Crimson Valley Hotel was ready to open its doors. Zachary and Mirabelle stood proudly in the foyer, surrounded by gleaming hardwood floors and plush furnishings. The once-dreary corridors now seemed warm and inviting, lined with vintage photographs and colourful artwork.

Their first guest was due to arrive that evening, a young woman named Sarah who had booked a room for a week. Zachary was nervous and eager to make a good impression. He checked the room one last time, ensuring that everything was perfect – fresh towels, crisp sheets, and a complimentary bottle of champagne chilling in the fridge.

As the sun began to set, a taxi pulled up outside. Zachary watched from the window as Sarah stepped out, her eyes scanning the hotel's facade. She was a petite thing, with long brown hair and a hesitant smile. Zachary's instincts told him she was running from something, but he pushed the thought aside. He was here to make her stay as comfortable as possible, not to pry into her personal life.

As Sarah checked in, Mirabelle handed her a key and a warm smile. "Welcome to the Crimson Valley Hotel," she said. "We're so glad you're here. If you need anything at all, just give us a shout."

Sarah nodded, her eyes lingering on the grand staircase before she made her way to the elevator. Zachary watched her go, feeling a sense of satisfaction. This was it – their first guest, and the start of a new chapter in their lives.

But as the night wore on, strange things began to happen. Doors creaked open and shut off their own accord, and the sound of whispers seemed to echo through the corridors. Zachary tried to brush it off as the hotel settled, but Mirabelle was more concerned. "I don't like it," she said, her voice low and urgent. "It feels like something's watching us."

Zachary laughed, trying to reassure her. "It's just our imagination," he said. "We're tired and stressed, that's all."

But as they settled into bed that night, he couldn't shake the feeling that Mirabella was right. Something was off, something that went beyond the usual creaks and groans of an old building.

It wasn't until the next morning that they discovered the truth. Sarah was sitting in the dining room, her eyes fixed on a newspaper clipping that lay on the table in front of her. Zachary approached her, a friendly smile on his face. "Good morning," he said. "How's everything?"

Sarah looked up, her eyes vacant and unnerving. "I've been waiting for you," she said, her voice low and husky. "I've been waiting a long time."

As Zachary watched in horror, Sarah's eyes seemed to roll back in her head, revealing two black holes that seemed to suck the light out of the room. Her body began to contort and twist, her limbs elongating like rubber.

"What the...?" Zachary stuttered, his mind reeling with terror.

Emily screamed, backing away from the table as if she'd seen a ghost. And in that moment, Zachary realized that they had made a terrible mistake. The Crimson Valley Hotel was not a place of relaxation, but a portal to a dark and malevolent world.

As Sarah's body continued to twist and contort, Zachary knew that they had to get out – fast. He grabbed Mirabelle's hand, pulling her towards the door as the sound of whispers grew louder, a deafening cacophony that seemed to come from all directions.

They stumbled out into the bright sunlight, gasping for air as if they'd been underwater too long. Zachary looked back at the hotel, his heart heavy with regret. They had unleashed a horror beyond their wildest imagination, a horror that would haunt them for the rest of their lives.

The Crimson Valley Hotel stood tall and imposing, its windows like empty eyes staring back at them. Zachary knew that they would never set foot inside again, not as long as they lived. The hotel was a monster, a creature that had lain dormant for decades, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

And now, it was alive.