Stockholm Syndrome

- 2 -

November 20
8:15 am
Westbranch Hotel

The following days were extremely uneventful. No new customers and no new drama, even Sam was struggling to find a topic to discuss. We needed something to do. So, being the brains of the crew, I decided that the staff should host a picnic for the guests, and ourselves of course.

The picnic will be held in a beautiful and scenic area, with heated covering since it is November. The area is surrounded by old, towering trees with drooping branches. Planted flower beds acting as a perimeter right under the trees. Good thing it's not supposed to rain or be windy today, or this picnic would be a bust.

I printed out signs for the event that read;
A picnic is offered for all the guests TONIGHT at 6:00pm, all guests meet at the lobby to be escorted to the picnic area
Things that will be offered:
-Free and good quality food cooked by our trusted chefs
-A covered outdoor area
-A microphone connected to a sound
system for anyone's use

I taped 4 of these notices in obvious spots for our guests. I really hope that everyone participates tonight, I will be disappointed if it's not a good turn out. Also, I really do want our latest guest, Alex was his name, to go. I haven't seen him at all since he's got here. Well, I did see him last night, but he didn't see me.

I was making rounds through the hallway upstairs when I saw him. He was holding a bundle of white rope, using his key to open his hotel room then quickly shutting the door behind him. The whole time I was standing at the end of the hall, watching him. I have no idea where he got the rope from or what he needed it for, but, guest privacy is guest privacy.

"May I'm sooo excited for tonight!" I jumped when Sam slapped her hands on my shoulders from behind.

"Woah, sorry." She held her hands up as if she has a gun pointed at her.

"I've just been jumpy lately, your fine." I said as I spun around to face her. "And I'm really excited too," I bounce energetically. "I heard that Hank is going to have a mini bar there." I whisper into Sam's ear.

"Seriously!" Her mouth gapes open. "This is going to be an awesome party."

For us, even a small hangout with a glass of wine is considered a party. Technically, I'm not allowed to drink yet, as I'm not of age. But, there's no legal authority here to stop me.

When I first started working here, I was nervous at the thought of having almost no safety here, since we are in the middle of a forest. I watch way too many horror films. But as time passed, we have never gotten anyone here that... psycho.

"Do you want to help me set up?" I ask Sam, walking towards the entrance without waiting for her to respond.

"Duh! Wait for me." She runs towards me. When she gets to me we walk arm in arm.

"So... that guy you checked in a few nights ago." Sam drew out.

"Yeah, what about him?"

"He's really attractive. It's weird though because his presence, even from afar, scares me." She admitted, whispering into my ear as we walked outside.

"I know what you mean... but I am really drawn to him," I pause "and you know me, I don't really look at guests that way."