The radio was playing a new and up coming singer as Benson drove past the welcoming sign to a town a few hours away. He had been driving for, what seemed like, forever and knew it was time for a break. He pulled into the closest hotel and parked right in front.
It wasn't the prettiest place, in fact it wasn't pretty at all. It was a bit run down but he could tell that even before the paint started to chip and the wood molding, it was only a so-so looking place.
He headed into it hoping that it wasn't full. Sure it was bad looking but also seemed to be the only one for miles.
"What can I do you for?" A gruff man asked. The collar of his plain white shirt was all over the place and there were many wrinkles in his shirt caused by either the unkemptness his appearance gave off or the suspenders that seemed to be a size or two too small.
"I need boarding for the night." Benson answered a bit weary of the man, but didn't want to offend the only one who could put him up for the time being. "It's getting late and I have a long trip ahead of myself."
The man didn't utter another word, only reached down behind the counter lifting a pair of rusty keys and chucking them at Benson. Then turned to the other end of the counter to the bar section and started a conversation with a another, just as burly, man.
Confused but not about to do anything about it, Benson lifted the bag in his hand, extended the strap to fit over his shoulder and headed out to find the mysterious room the key fit into.
YOU ARE READING
A Long Journey
General FictionA man takes a trip to help his hometown. But what can he do?
