Commotion

Rain. Smoke. Air. Mixed.

Nadia and Neera rushed downstairs. Guests in the lobby, afraid, had already called the police, asking for refunds. The gunshot was nearby. This area was central — not exactly known for gun crime.

“Where’s Alice?” Nadia asked.

“She can sleep through anything…” Neera said.

Nadia laughed, “I’ll go wake her up.”

Nadia opened her door. Alice usually left it unlocked. The light was on and her PC was mid-game Minecraft. The smell of her peach lipgloss. Her room was a mess. So she was awake…

“Alice?” Nadia said.

There was no answer.

Nadia went back to the lobby. Neera was arguing with a customer about refunds.

“I can’t find Alice,” Nadia said.

“Hmm…” Neera said, “Knowing her she probably went outside to check — she doesn’t have a ounce of fear in her body…”

“Yeah…” Nadia said, “That’s not very safe… I better go and check.”

“Okay I’ll check the front — you the back,” Neera said.

Neera shouted, “Keep calm!”

The guests immediately ceased their nervous chatter.

“The police are on their way — everyone back to their rooms for safety —“ Neera said.