Living among strangers
My husband and I live in the motel we own and run. Our
residence located between the lobby and the laundry room is an example of
efficiency. This location ensures our
ability to oversee the daily operation with ease. It also means that a constant
stream of strangers moves in and out of our private space at all times.
Whoever planned the motel made sure to install enough doors
to make the flow smooth and so there are four doors, each with its unique
function, all of them need to be watched continuously. I can never be sure that my privacy will not
be harshly intruded upon at any minute.
The first is the one to the lobby where the reception desk
is and people check-in; sign on their check-in slips and receive the keys to
their rooms. On their way into the breakfast room, to buy a cold drink, or ask
a question about the weather, our guests scream hello, wave or even stick their
head in the window that connects the lobby to our living room.
The second door leads to the motel laundry room; this is
where our staff comes in in the morning to get the daily cleaning sheet. Through this door, they also come in at the
end of the day to sign out or any other time of the day to ask questions about
the daily chores.
The third set of doors leads from our bedroom to the backyard.
People don’t come in through it anymore since we fenced it in for the dog.
The fourth is my favorite. It is our private entrance to our
residence, there is a big sign on it – Private – but few times a year, usually
late at night, a confused guest will wander in. Caught in the bizarre
situation, seeing us watching our favorite show on TV, he will freeze like a
deer in headlights. Being used to this, we watch the frightened stranger with
obvious amazement trying to guess what strategy of exit he will execute.
There is a fifth door; we were told when we bought the
motel. The door connected the bedroom to the utility room. It is now blocked
behind a large closet. Still, late at night, already in my bed, I wonder if one
day it will open and one of our guests will emerge, rub his eyes and inquire
about the best seafood restaurant.
Used to the constant presence of strangers, I will probably
point him in the right direction, pull the blanket over my head and nod back
into blissful sleep.
