Well, hello...

Oh, my God, thirty years have passed since that moment! I didn't expect to see her again. I wonder if she's still angry with me.

At least now I'll find out.

"Hello, can I talk to Alice Brown?" I called the reception.

"Good evening, Sir. The receptionist of the hotel will arrive at you in a minute.

"Thank you, Miss."

I felt like this minute would go on forever. I had time to think about our conversation and just when I saw her, all my thoughts immediately faded.
She hasn't changed much. Only some little bits of grey hair and the faded fire in her eyes, that used to attract me so much. Alice came to my room and we sat down at the table. I remembered that evening.

"Well, how are you? I mean, the hotel and else..." I began.

"I am fine." She answered immediately, her voice sounded emotionless. "Yes, I opened my own business, but it's not my biggest priority. There are more important things."

"For example?"

"Love, for example." She answered, slightly blushing.

"What? Well, I don't know..." I said, not even sure what to say.

"I see; you haven't changed since the 80's."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

And that was the day that surfaced in my memory and a left a massive wound.

"Business to you is much more precious than feelings. Remember how you left me on the wedding day? Do you remember my tears? You didn't even come back, didn't even apologize!"

My heartfelt like bleeding. Alice and I had to have a wedding, but right at the time of the ceremony, I was informed that something had happened and my business could collapse. I was young and as I was about to say 'I do', I ran away. I thought it was a game, just a stamp, then I realized how stupid I was. Then I had to go to Chicago and I forget about Alice once and for all, and my mind was occupied with thoughts about work.

Her eyes filled with tears.

"I'm sorry, Alice." I almost whispered.

"Sorry? You've ruined my life, and now you're asking for forgiveness? You are such an idiot, Kevin Turner! Get out of my hotel, right now!

"Do you still love me?" I quietly asked.

"Yes... but I can't forgive you for what you've done. Goodbye!"

I left the hotel "Vanilla". You say: "What a strange name for Hotel". At first, I thought so too but then I remembered that Alice always loved everything related to vanilla: spirits, gels, desserts.

How could I forget this?

I sorted things out and went back to Chicago. I remembered Alice only once when I was on the plane thinking over everything that had happened to me for the last thirty years. I managed to get a good job, to earn enough money, to become the owner of the company, but I don't have the main thing - I don't have a family. Not like ever did.

I always come to my flat and do work.

Work.

The meaning of my life that leads us to the lack of happiness.

I never saw Alice again. I hope, she is happy and will someday forgive me.

The end.