No bag

Keeping track of everything in your bag always added stress to a vacation, and you figured that you might as well take any opportunity to make the trip as smooth and relaxing as possible.

“Good to know. I’m gonna grab a couple of things from my suitcase before I leave it in my car. Be right back,” you told Andrea.

The job only took about five minutes, and left you with your phone, it’s charger, your water bottle, wallet, and the clothes on your back. All pretty easy things to keep track of.

Just as you met up with Andrea again, the black cab pulled up. Andrea waved it over, and the driver rolled down the window, showing a woman in her early thirties with straight black hair, in a traditional chauffeur uniform.

“Hi, I’m here to pick up two passengers to Greenport. You Andrea?” she asked.

“Yep.”

“And is this your plus one?” the driver asked again, a bit more questioningly.

“Yes,” Andrea responded once again, as she climbed into the back seat of the cab, you following her.

As the two of you got settled in, the driver didn’t say anything else for the rest of the trip, focusing on the road and listening to the music on the radio. You talked to Andrea about your interests growing up, and we’re surprised to hear that she was actually involved with a cosplay group through high school and partway into university, which you’d never have guessed. You remarked that it sounded interesting, and that you remembered enjoying getting into character for school plays growing up, hoping that it was relevant.

The back and forth conversation went on for some time, until the cab pulled into the driveway of the building Andrea identified as the place you would be staying. It was waterfront, with a modern, yet comfortable design of stained wood with a flat roof that functioned as a patio, with stairs leading to it. You were surprised to see that not many trees had been cut down, and you couldn’t see any neighbors houses unless you really tried, especially considering that you weren’t far from the city proper at all.

You tipped the driver as you got out of the cab, and prepared to explore the property and settle in. You never fared too well with longer car rides, and we’re glad to stretch your legs.

You caught up to Andrea, who was already punching in the code to the door of the house.

“This is insane. I can’t believe we get to stay here for free,” you said, enjoying the tranquility already.

“I can’t wait to see the sunset from the beach.” Andrea opened the door. “Come on, let’s check this place out!”

The interior matched the outside in terms of its modern style. The house was clearly meant for only one or two people, as it only had one bedroom, one bathroom, and the main area where you stood, connected to a kitchen. You couldn’t complain though. The kitchen overlooked the sea through large windows, showing several boats on their way to the port.

You made your way to the bedroom, and succumbed to the childlike urge to throw yourself on the bed. The room was backlit, with lighting coming from around the doors and bed frame, as well as a notch where the ceiling met the walls that surrounded the room. It was dim, but not dark. Very relaxing. You could have fallen asleep right then.

While you were relaxing, checking your phone on the bed, Andrea continued scoping out the kitchen, spotting a flier on the counter.