The Shining (Kubrick Version)

Part 2: Closing Day

The Torrance's were in the mountains, going higher and higher and higher, nearing The Overlook Hotel. Wendy sat in the front of their car, in the passenger seat, admiring the view. Jack drove with a blank look on his  face. Danny was in the backseat, feeling a bit nervous. But then so did Wendy. This was a massive job, after all. After a long period of silence, Wendy broke it.

"We must be really high up," she said. "The air feels so different." Jack just shook his head and mumbled.

"Dad," said Danny. "I'm hungry."

"Well, you should've eaten your breakfast," groaned Jack.

"We'll get you something as soon as we get to the hotel, okay," reassured Wendy. "Say, wasn't it around here that The Donner Party got snowbound?"

"Nope," said Jack, briefly. "Farther west in the Sierra's." 

"Oh," gulped Wendy, briefly.

"What was The Donner Party?" asked Danny.

"They were a party of settlers in coven wagon times," explained Jack. "They got snowbound one winter in the mountains. They had to resort to cannibalism in order to stay alive."

"You mean they ate each other up?" asked Danny.

"They had to," sighed Jack. "In order to survive."

"Jack, please," broke in Wendy.

"Don't worry Mum," said Danny. "I know all about cannibalism. I saw it on TV."

"See," grinned Jack. "It's okay. He saw it on the television." They didn't say anything more. They were quiet until they reached the hotel.

Mr Ullman walked through the lobby with Bill Watson. It was 9:52am and the last of the Overlooks guests were checking out at the receptionist desk. A few people sat on the sofa chairs, their luggage pooled around them, waiting for their rides or just waiting for their husbands or wives to check out. Mr Ullman spotted Jack among the crowd. He was sitting on a sofa chair, reading a magazine. He greeted Jack warmly. 

"Hope you haven't been waiting too long," he said.

"No problem, we had time to grab a bite to eat," said Jack.

"Good, glad you made it before they shut down the kitchen," smiled Ullman. "Is your family having a look around?"

"My wife's in the dining room finishing her meal and my son's discovered the games room," grinned Jack.

"Oh that's fine," said Ullman. "Has your luggage been brought in?" Jack pointed to his luggage, pooled by the door. 

"Well, in view of all the ground we have to cover today, I suggest we take a quick look at your apartment and get started straight away," said Ullman. "Bill, will you have one of the chambermaids bring the luggage to their quarters?"

"I better collect my wife first," interrupted Jack.

"Oh, very well," said Ullman.

Jack and Wendy followed Ullman through a narrow corridor.

"This is the staff wing of the hotel," said Ullman. "None of the other bedrooms are heated during the winter." Two female staff members, both chambermaids, wrapped up in warm clothing and carrying luggage, walked down the staircase next to where Wendy, Jack and Ullman were. 

"Goodbye, Mr Ullman," said one of them.

"Goodbye girls," waved Ullman, smiling. Jack and Wendy looked at them, both thinking how young and fresh they looked. They looked like they were ready to leave the hotel and probably darn excited about it too. Ullman got a key and unlocked a door on the right, then walked up a short staircase, Wendy and Jack following.