Chapter 40

• Mia arrived in the city late, drenched from head to toe as rain poured down in torrents. She pulled her bags along, making her way to the hotel reception. Each step left a trail of wet footprints behind her. Frustrated at not arriving earlier, she approached the reception desk.
• "A room, please," she said, her voice tinged with annoyance.
• "Good evening, ma'am," one of the female receptionists greeted her. "Just a moment, please," she added, checking her computer. "I'm sorry, but there are no rooms available at the moment. Perhaps in the morning, after some guests check out."