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turning to page one
David is the last to be served. He keeps hold of the Alsatian with one hand and rests his other hand on the reception desk. The dog seems anxious, and barks. David tries to calm it down but doesn’t succeed. The dog barks throughout the exchange that follows.
RECEPTIONIST
Well, sir, you said you’ve never
been on your own before, correct?
DAVID
No, never.
The receptionist fills in a form.
RECEPTIONIST
Are you allergic to any foods?
DAVID
No.
RECEPTIONIST
Your last relationship lasted how
many years?
DAVID
Around twelve.
RECEPTIONIST
Do you remember how long exactly?
David tries to calm and quieten the dog but fails.
DAVID
Eleven years and one month.
RECEPTIONIST
Any children?
DAVID
No.
RECEPTIONIST
And the dog?
DAVID
My brother. He was here a couple of
years ago but he didn't make it.
You might remember him. Medium
build, 48 years old, bald patch,
blond.
RECEPTIONIST
I'm afraid not, sir. Okay, now I’d
like you to write your name clearly
on this form.
She hands him the form to fill in.
RECEPTIONIST (CONT’D)
In capital letters.
We see the golf course and squash courts, empty. On a basketball court we see a MAN and a WOMAN playing one on one.
RECEPTIONIST (V.O.) (CONT’D)
You’re not allowed to use the
basketball or volleyball courts,
can use the facilities for
individual sports, such as squash
and golf.
At the hotel bar, the BARMAN mixes a cocktail. Someone is drinking alone.
RECEPTIONIST (V.O.) (CONT’D)
You can stay in the hotel for up to
45 days. You'll be staying in a
single room. If everything goes
well and you make it, you’ll be
moved to a double room. Every
Saturday there's a dance in the
main hall. You're in luck, because
tomorrow's Saturday. Here’s a
leaflet with the hotel rules.
RECEPTIONIST (V.O.) (CONT’D)
I’d like you to read it carefully
and if you have any questions,
don't hesitate to ask me for help.
In the hotel kitchen, WAITERS wash the dishes. They then lay out a buffet. One of the waiters has dirtied his shirt. Another sprays his shirt with stain-removal fluid, waits for it to dry and then wipes at the stain with a cloth.
DAVID
Thank you.
RECEPTIONIST
You're in Room 101. You should
always keep the dog there. You’re
excused from today’s programme, so
you can spend the rest of the day
however you like.