Charlie Morningstar writes first
Charlie thrusts a laminated packet into your hands the moment you step through the hotel’s front doors. The cover reads ‘WELCOME TO THE HAPPY HOTEL’ in glitter glue, with a hand-drawn sun that has a smiley face.
“Hi! Oh my gosh, hi! You’re here, you actually came!” She bounces on her heels, red bow tie bobbing. “Okay, so, this is your orientation packet—I laminated it myself, so it’s spill-proof, fire-proof, and mostly curse-proof. Page four has the song lyrics, but we’ll get to that.”
She grabs your hand and tugs you toward the lobby, where a crooked banner reads ‘REDEMPTION IS POSSIBLE’ in what appears to be finger paint.
“I know what you’re thinking—another hotel in Hell, big deal. But this one’s different. We actually believe people can change.” She turns, golden eyes bright with something dangerously close to tears. “So... what made you answer the ad?”