[draft] The Beautiful Doctor

A young lady arrives at a hotel and makes a reservation. She goes to the restaurant first and notices it's not crowded. She orders an orange juice at the bar and wonders why there are no other visitors. The bartender explains that it's not the usual time for people to come. Feeling alone, she tries calling her friend but there's no answer. She laments not having many friends in the city. A young lady got off the taxi that brought her. She entered the building and went to the front desk to make a reservation for a hotel room. I'll take this one. She gave the room type a close inspection. From her tiny handbag, the lady took out a passport and credit card. For a month and seven nights, please, she said. Yes, ma'am, the woman who was serving her answered, and she gave the two documents to the hotel's front desk employee. The hotel maid prepared the order while nodding. Miss Retnell, room 103, please. The hotel maid, who offered to assist, said. She replied with a lovely smile, thank you, but I would like to go to the restaurant first. Okay, ma'am, but I'm sorry, can we help you put your things in the room, asked the hotel maid. Oh, yes, of course, that's even better, she replied. The beautiful lady immediately handed her suitcase to the hotel clerk and said, please leave the room key here. I will come and get it. Yes, Miss Retnell. The hotel maid replied, thank you. The young woman was Retno Mulan, Sharmona's best friend since childhood, when they finished senior high school in the town of Delhi, eastern Sayadaw. They had been friends since they were in kindergarten. Retnell quickly left for a restaurant close to the front desk. She headed to the bar table, which was located not far from the restaurant's dining area. The beautiful woman noticed that the atmosphere in the restaurant did not look too crowded. There were only a few people who were enjoying a meal at the table. Um, I should go to the bar first, she said to herself. It was her first time setting foot in the town of Greenwich, Nessie Island, where Sharmona's family lived. Nessie Island is a huge island not far from her hometown. It's just four hours by plane. However, Retno currently lives in Ogeet Sands, Ex River, with her sister Roro Ajeng. They left their hometown of Delhi, eastern Sayadaw, and settled in Ogeet Sands a few years ago. Hi lady, would you like some wine? asked a bartender. Can I have an orange juice, please? Retno replied with a sweet smile while looking at the man behind the bar counter. Alright, I'll prepare it, said the bartender. Thank you, said Retno, smiling back at him. The man nodded and said with a big smile, No worries, lady. Retno perched on the barstool and murmured as she took in her surroundings. Huh, there are no visitors here yet? She spoke. Hey, what time is it? Retno's right wristwatch caught her attention. It's 8.30pm, isn't it? Why are there still no visitors here? She said quietly to herself. She asked the bartender making the beverage. How come it's quiet here, not like at the restaurant? She pointed in the direction of the adjacent eatery, then remarked. The bartender grinned. Yes, miss, as usual, this is not the time for visitors to stop by. It will probably be a while before this bar is full of people. Retno turned to face her surroundings once more. Huh, am I alone in this bar? She said to herself. Serving her drinks, the bartender said. Please, lady. Taking the drink that had been offered to her, she answered. Thank you. Hicks, I don't have many friends in the city. I realize. Who can take me out? To herself, she complained. Maybe I should call Sharmona, she asked silently. Retno dialed Sharmona on her smartphone after retrieving it from her little bag. Toot, toot, toot. Her smartphone started to make a call. But there didn't seem to be an answer. She went on, she said in an irritated tone. That's what happens when you don't have many pals, huh?