A few days earlier…
“Mommy,” said Eve sadly. “Can you get me a doll?”
“Honey,” Pauline gently replied. “You know we’re on a tight budget this month. Mommy will buy you one next month. That’s a promise.”
“But mommy…” Eve’s voice began to crack. “My birthday is in two days. Did you forget about it?”
“Oh, no, no, sweetheart! Not at all!” Pauline said, but she had actually forgotten and felt terrible about it.
“Are you still not going to get me a doll? I don’t have any friends, mommy. Nobody wants to be friends with me because we are poor. That doll can be my best friend…”
“Oh honey,” Pauline hugged Eve. “I will get you the doll. Promise. Don’t be sad, ok?”
Pauline knew the kids at Eve’s school didn’t treat her well because she wasn’t as rich as them, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. Children can be cruel at times.
Present day…
Pauline was delighted after buying the doll. She couldn’t wait to give it to Eve and see her beautiful smile. The doll was one of those vintage kinds, holding a tiny baby in her arms.
“Oh, Eve will be so happy!” Pauline thought on her way back home.
And Eve was. The little girl’s joy knew no bounds when Pauline showed her the doll on her birthday.
Sometimes, the cause of someone’s smile is the source of another person’s grief.
“Ta-da! Mommy got the doll for Evie!” Pauline exclaimed, holding the doll in her hands. “Can mommy have a kiss for that?”
“It’s so pretty! Thank you, mommy!” Eve chirped as she kissed Pauline on the cheek.
As Pauline handed over the doll to Eve, she suddenly heard a strange crackling sound.
“What was that?” Pauline wondered.
She shook the doll, holding it close to her ears, and heard the crackling again.
“Mommy! Give it here! I wanna hold my doll! Please! Please!” Eve said, excited to play with it.
“One second, honey. I think there’s something in here…”
It was then that Pauline examined the doll and found a secret pocket sewn into the doll’s outfit. She undid the loose threads around it, and a note fell from it.
Eve quickly picked it up and said, “Mommy, it says, ‘Happy Birthday, Mommy.’ It’s not your birthday! It’s my birthday! This is so silly!”
When Pauline read the note, she noticed the message seemed like it was scribbled by a child. At that point, the thought of the woman selling the doll flashed through Pauline’s mind.
The next day, she returned to the flea market with the doll, and luckily, the woman’s stall was still there.
“Oh, I’m glad I found you here!” Pauline said. “I bought this doll yesterday, and I found a note inside…”
When the woman, Miriam, saw the note, her eyes welled up. “My daughter got this doll for me,” she said quietly. “She passed away two days before my birthday…My husband and I, oh, I’m sorry…” The woman covered her face as her tears started to flow.
“I’m really sorry for your loss,” Pauline said apologetically. “I had no idea. I know I can’t take away your pain, but if it helps, I can give you a hug.”
“Oh, thank you…” Miriam said. Pauline gave her a warm hug, after which Miriam revealed her sad story, which brought tears to Pauline’s eyes.
“My little daughter was diagnosed with cancer,” Miriam said. “We needed money for her chemotherapy. My husband and I work at a factory. We didn’t have enough money to cover her hospital bills, so we set up a stall here to sell our old furniture and things we didn’t need.”
“But we couldn’t save our daughter…She—she left us too soon. We’re selling her toys because every time I look at them, it just makes me sad.”
“One night, when I held my baby girl’s hand, she asked me to be happy. She had said, ‘Mumma, when I’m gone, please remember me with a smile.’ So I decided to sell the toys. She had bought that doll, saying it would remind me of her. I’m sorry I feel like I’m oversharing with you, but my heart feels really relieved today. Thank you for listening to me.”
As Miriam finished, she broke down into tears again. Pauline consoled her, and the two women talked about their lives for a while. Pauline told her how she’d been raising Eve by herself and invited her over to spend time with them.
“Eve will love to meet you,” she said. “And thank you so much for the doll. It made my daughter’s day. I’m sure your daughter is looking at you and smiling. Thank you again,” she added before she left.
A few days later, Miriam visited Eve and Pauline at the trailer where they lived.
“This is in appreciation of your kind heart and patience in listening to me that day. I hope this helps you and Eve,” Miriam said, handing Pauline an envelope.
When Pauline opened it, she found a couple of dollar bills inside. $3000 in total. “Oh, Miriam, we can’t take this. This is a lot. No, no, this doesn’t feel right…”
“You can take it, Pauline,” Miriam insisted. “A mother’s heart knows how much it hurts when you can’t do enough for your child. We made this by selling the toys. Please keep it. If not for my sake, please keep it for Eve’s sake.”
Pauline cried. “Oh, Miriam, thank you. This will help us a lot. Thanks.”
From then on, Miriam and Pauline became friends, and Miriam loved and spoiled Eve too much. But the best part was that Pauline and Eve’s company helped Miriam heal and move on from her loss.
What can we learn from this story?
Help someone in need, and you’ll never regret it. Pauline and Miriam helped each other in whatever way they could. That helped Miriam overcome her grief, and Pauline and Eve found someone who cherished their company.
Sometimes, the cause of someone’s smile is the source of another person’s grief. Sadly, the doll which made Eve happy on her birthday was a reminder of Miriam’s sad past.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
Hotel Concierge Denies Room to Dirty Man, Unaware He’s the CEO Undercover – Story of the Day
Concierge Watson sneers at a smelly traveler and refuses him a room at the luxury Grand Lumière Hotel. When the traveler returns looking dapper, Watson realizes his mistake could cost him more than just his job.
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Rain pelted the windows of the Grand Lumière Hotel, but that didn’t stop the lobby’s chandeliers from gleaming. The opulent atmosphere could never be overshadowed by the weather.
The hotel’s concierge, Mr. Watson, stood ramrod straight behind the polished marble reception desk.
His keen eyes scanned the lobby, ensuring every detail met the exacting standards of the five-star establishment. Nothing was out of place… until…
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The doors swung open, letting in a gust of wind and a few pelts of rain into the hardwood floors. But it was the bedraggled figure that made Mr. Watson wrinkle his nose.
A man stumbled toward the desk, leaving muddy footprints in his wake.
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His clothes were soaked through and hung limply from his frame. His scraggly beard as well as the stench of wet dog and stale cigarettes told the concierge that he hadn’t washed in days.
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Mr. Watson’s nose wrinkled further. “May I help you?” he asked in a clipped and cold tone.
The man looked up. “Please,” he croaked weakly, “I need a room for the night. My car broke down a few miles back, and I’ve been walking in this downpour for hours.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, sir,” Mr. Watson shook his head. “We have no vacancies at the moment.”
“But surely there must be something. I can pay whatever the rate is. I just need a place to sleep and dry off.”
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“As I said,” Mr. Watson repeated, his lip curling, “we have no rooms available for someone in your… condition. Perhaps you might try the motel down by the highway. I’m sure their standards would be more… accommodating.”
The man’s face fell and his shoulders slumped. But for a small second, anger flashed in his eyes. “I see,” he said quietly. “Thank you for your time.”
He turned and trudged back toward the doors.
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Mr. Watson watched him go, then called for a bellhop. “Call maintenance to clean this up,” he ordered, gesturing to the muddy footprints. “We can’t have the lobby looking like a pigsty.”
As the young bellhop hurried to comply, Mr. Watson smiled, satisfied about keeping that dirty man away from his hotel.
But his actions would soon come back to haunt him.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
***
An hour later, the lobby doors swung open once more. Mr. Watson looked up, ready to greet another guest with his practiced smile.
To his surprise, a well-dressed man strode confidently toward the desk. His suit was impeccably tailored, his shoes shone with a mirror-like gleam, and his salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed.
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It took Mr. Watson a moment to recognize the face beneath the expertly trimmed beard. His eyes widened in shock as he realized it was the same man he had turned away earlier.
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The man approached the desk with a slight smile playing on his lips. “Good evening,” he said smoothly. “I’d like a room for the night, please.”
Mr. Watson swallowed hard. “Of course, sir,” he managed to say. “May I ask what happened to… your previous attire?”
“Ah, yes,” the man chuckled. “I found a truck stop down the road with showers and a small clothing shop. Amazing what a little soap and a clean suit can do, isn’t it?”
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Mr. Watson nodded stiffly, looking away, and tapped at his computer in search of an available room. “We have a standard room on the third floor,” he said.
“That will do nicely,” the man replied.
As Mr. Watson processed the reservation, he couldn’t help but add, “I must say, sir, you clean up rather well. It’s like night and day.”
“Yes, well, appearances can be deceiving, can’t they?”
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Mr. Watson handed over the key card and nodded, pursing his lips. “Indeed they can. Enjoy your stay, Mr…?”
“Bloomington,” the man supplied. “Thank you, I’m sure I will.”
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Mr. Bloomington walked away, and Mr. Watson watched. There was a tightening in his chest that he couldn’t explain… as if he had made a mistake.
But he wouldn’t apologize. His job was to maintain the cleanliness, prestige, and reputation of the hotel, so all their clients had to, at least, look the part.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
Still, throughout Mr. Bloomington’s stay, Mr. Watson went out of his way to avoid the man. When forced to interact, he was curt and dismissive.
On the third day of Mr. Bloomington’s stay, Mr. Watson was overseeing the breakfast service in the hotel’s elegant dining room.
He moved from table to table to ensure each guest was satisfied with their meal and experience. As he approached Mr. Bloomington’s table, he overheard a conversation that made his blood run cold.
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“Yes, that’s right,” Mr. Bloomington was saying into his phone. “I’ve been here for three days now, observing operations incognito. I think I’ve seen enough to make some necessary changes.”
Mr. Watson froze. Incognito? Changes? Who exactly was this Mr. Bloomington?
As if sensing his presence, Mr. Bloomington looked up and met Mr. Watson’s shocked gaze. He smiled, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
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“Ah, Mr. Watson,” he said smoothly. “Just the man I wanted to see. Would you join me for a moment?”
His heart began racing at the request. It was said with such authority that the tightening in his chest happened, and a hint of intuition hit his thoughts.
Was Mr. Bloomington more important than the concierge imagined?
Numbly, Mr. Watson sank into the chair across from Mr. Bloomington. The man leaned forward and started speaking in a low but firm voice.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced,” he said. “My first name is Charles, but you can keep calling me Mr. Bloomington. I recently acquired this hotel chain, and I’ve been visiting each property to assess their operations firsthand.”
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The color drained from Mr. Watson’s face as the full impact of his actions over the past few days hit him. “You’re… you’re the new owner?” he stammered.
Mr. Bloomington nodded gravely. “That’s correct, and the CEO. And I must say, Mr. Watson, I’ve been less than impressed with what I’ve observed here, particularly concerning your treatment of guests you deem… unworthy.”
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Mr. Watson opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. He sat there, fish-mouthed and pale, as Mr. Bloomington continued.
“A hotel’s primary function is to provide hospitality to all its guests, regardless of their appearance or circumstances. Your behavior has been not only unprofessional but cruel. Is this really the image we want to project to our clientele?”
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“No, sir,” Mr. Watson whispered, chastened. “It’s not.”
The new CEO stood and nodded to the side. “Follow me.”
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***
Minutes later, Mr. Watson stood in Mr. Bloomington’s new temporary office, which was formerly the hotel manager’s space.
The CEO sat behind the desk, and his fingers drummed against the polished, sleek hardwood surface.
“Mr. Watson,” he began, “I hope you understand the gravity of your actions. This hotel has always prided itself on providing exceptional service to all our guests. Your behavior over the past few days has fallen far short of that standard.”
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Mr. Watson nodded, but couldn’t speak. He was ready for the inevitable: losing his job, which he’d held for over 15 years.
“I’m glad you recognize that. Now, the question is, what are we going to do about it?”
“Sir?” Mr. Watson looked up, surprised.
“I believe in second chances, Mr. Watson. More importantly, I believe this experience can be a valuable lesson not just for you, but for our entire staff. Are you willing to learn from this and help implement changes to ensure it never happens again?”
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“Yes, sir,” Mr. Watson said, breathless as relief flooded through him. “Absolutely. I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.”
“Good.,” the new CEO nodded. “Then here’s what we’re going to do…”
Over the next few weeks, the Grand Lumière Hotel transformed. New policies were put in place that required equal treatment for all guests, regardless of appearance.
If they could pay, they could have a room.
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Hoping to prove his worth, Mr. Watson developed a training program to help staff recognize and overcome their biases.
Furthermore, to work on himself, the concierge began volunteering at a local homeless shelter.
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Slowly but surely, the atmosphere in the hotel began to change. Guests from all walks of life were welcomed with genuine warmth and respect.
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The staff worked together more cohesively since their workplace no longer seemed to value certain people over others.
But Mr. Watson’s new outlook on his job was yet to be tested.
***
One rainy evening, much like the night that had started it all, the concierge stood at his familiar post behind the reception desk.
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The doors swung open, and a bedraggled traveler entered, seeking shelter from the storm.
For a second, Mr. Watson’s old instincts surfaced, but he schooled himself and adopted a warm smile. “Welcome to the Grand Lumière,” he said kindly. “How may we assist you this evening?”
As he helped the grateful guest check in, Mr. Watson caught Mr. Bloomington’s eye across the lobby.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
The CEO nodded approvingly.
Mr. Watson let out a small sigh and continued working. Times had changed at the Grand Lumière Hotel, and he was glad not to have wasted his second chance.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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