Matthew and Candace were riding home from her swim competition when it became abundantly clear that they couldn’t make the trip in one go. He was too old to try driving all night. He didn’t want to stop, mostly because he wanted to keep Candace safe. She may be 13 but to him, she’s still a child, and parking on the side of the road to catch some sleep is just too risky for his paternal instinct.
Spotting the Magic Motel was a godsend. After forking over a price way too low to not be a scam. Matthew and Candace went to their room. Night had already come down but the Motel was anything but quiet. Gangsters, drunkards, and other ruffians littered the parking lot in front. It made Matthew uncomfortable, rushing Candace, and the bags they would need into the room as quick as he could.
He didn’t forget the trophy she won. 1st place, something a girl her age could really be proud of.
Getting into their room, Matthew was pleasantly surprised. Despite the decrepit look from the outside, the walls continued upright, bricks met neatly, floors were firm, and doors were sensibly shut. A warm glow came from all the lights and each amenity was well stocked. All the sheets were well folded as though waiting patiently for a guest. Matthew could safely say this room looked to be the quality of a five-star hotel.
Yet… walking in took a great deal of effort. Like a final cry to turn back, the hair on his neck stood up. But once he crossed the threshold, silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of the Magic Motel, and whatever walked there, walked alone.
Once they were settled in, Matthew took a breather. He looked over at the other bed where Candace was scrolling threw her phone. She looked so much like her mother. She was everything a father could ask for, smart, athletic, and beautiful. Given time she would clearly blossom into a wonderful young lady. But as he sat there, watching his kid, the motel had other plans. Their lives were about to be swapped around with the other guests and patrons of the Magic Motel.