The Guest Book Novels & Stories

The cab pulled up to the Grand Kew Hotel, its sleek exterior gleaming like a polished jewel under the evening lights. Mia stepped out, gripping her VIP pass with a steady hand as her heels tapped against the pavement. The buzz of the crowd and the clicking of cameras created a vibrant energy, but her focus remained sharp. At the gate, guests were thoroughly checked, some being turned away if their names didn’t make the list. She watched as many uninvited guests were bounced back, their complaints fading into the busy evening.

She couldn't help studying the building more carefully. This guesthouse appeared to have been operating longer than the others. It was probably the oldest in the village. One of its distinctive features was a large cabinet filled with guestbooks. It was tidy and clean, yet brimming with a sense of history at every turn. Rebecca stood in front of the cabinet, wondering if there might be a page with Darren's message. But they were about to leave, and there were far too many books to search through. A voice came from behind her. "Looking for Darren's message?"

“This is the guestbook for the aforementioned anniversary party. Even the students’ dates needed to sign in. If you know the lady in the picture, then you’re free to look for her name here. Her name should be there.” “Thank you.” Taking the thick guestbook, she thanked him. At that moment, Cedric took the guestbook from her and said, “It’s so heavy. Your hands will grow sore from holding it.” Then, he passed it to Baz immediately. Baz was stunned for a split second before taking the guestbook hastily, smiling bitterly.

We were expecting a guest? How come and what Guest?

Gabriel slid into the backseat beside me, still chewing on a stick of gum he’d picked up at the airport kiosk. “You sure you’re ready for this?” he asked around it, his voice unusually quiet. “No,” I admitted. “But I’m doing it anyway.” He smiled crookedly, almost approving. “That’s my kind of crazy.” ********** The publishing house was a squat brick building tucked on a quiet street, its windows tall and lined with blinds. It was not flashy at all and almost seemed deliberately unremarkable. Inside, the lobby smelled faintly of ink and old paper. Behind a reception desk, a young woman with a red scarf looped around her neck looked up and smiled brightly.

Four walls and a bed — that was enough. The lobby smelled like lemon polish and old coffee, a little tired but serviceable. I stepped up to the counter, Kellan beside me, solid as always. The receptionist looked up and tried to straighten like my stare put him on the spot. “Evening, gentlemen. Checking in?” “Yeah. Two rooms.” I leaned in, steady. “But first, I’ve got a question. Did an Angela Hunter check in here?” His fingers froze. He cleared his throat and tried a polite smile. “Sorry, sir. Privacy policy. I can’t give out guest details.”

“Mrs. Woods?” “That’s right.” “I’m Emily Samuels.” The clattering of keys stalled. “Oh dear, is it that late already? I meant to meet you in the lobby.” “That’s all right, I have my keycard already.” “Well, come in and have a seat. I have some paperwork for you to fill out and then I’ll show you around the place, explain our procedures, introduce you to our guests.” “Guests?” “We find it puts people more at ease than calling them patients.”

It’s six o'clock in the evening. Annika is prepared to welcome all of the night's visitors. She has a lot of reservations again. La Gondola is constantly crowded and filled, especially at night. Annika walked all the guests in, and when all were seated and everyone was enjoying their dinner, she went back to the reception area to see if any other guests would be arriving after dinnertime. "Nope! everyone is here already." So, she sits in her high chair and checks her reservation book for the next day.

The giants rattled like giants pounding the hill. The smell of smoke and hot metal filled Ragnar's nostrils. I wondered if he was the only one in the crowd thinking about the noise and the smell. They crossed the square to match the size of a large building. "This is the Steel Temple." Lanecte Wolfpriest said softly. — And this is where we come from now.

And who could be that Guest ? ********-------------*********