Life's Cinematic Soundtrack: Garden Dreams With You

(Headphones on pls)

Ext. The Welcome Inn Inn - Day

Deep in the heart of the woods, there’s an inn that’s host to an array of travelers who enjoy a good retreat from the busyness of urban life. Travelers’ stories are as diverse as they come, but nothing could’ve prepared Lumen for the mystical narrative she was getting herself into.

A car stops at the driveway in front of the inn. A woman in a suit and tie, dressy shorts and slip-on sneakers gets out of the car. She heads straight to the front desk. She looks like she’s overdressed for the setting yet seemingly perfectly apropos. She rings the desk bell. Nobody responds. She rings it a couple of more times.

Then, a woman appears from the heap of boxes beside the table. When she sees someone there, she moves the boxes out of the way.

Lumen: Sorry (awkward giggle) I got lost in the pile of boxes. How may I help you?

The formally-dressed woman smiles at her.

Tala: It’s no problem. I get lost all the time too.

Lumen smiles.

Tala: I’m Tala (extends her hand for a handshake and gives Lumen her ID) I’m here to do landscaping for Johnny’s inn. He said I can stay here for a couple of days.

Lumen shakes Tala’s hand but is confused about the information she got.

Lumen: Oh, I didn’t know we were scheduled for landscaping this week (checks monthly calendar).
Tala: Yeah, we finalized it last night. I had dinner with him and the rest of the family.
Lumen: Oh, I’m sorry. You’re a friend of Johnny’s. Sure, let me get you a room right away Ms… (looks at her ID) Ms. Delfin.
Tala: Awesome. Thank you —
Lumen: Lumen.
Tala: Thank you so much, Lumen.

Lumen starts to check room availability as Tala checks her phone for messages. She sees that phone service isn’t great. She walks around to find a spot where she can get a good signal. She ends up at the end of the small pub just outside the inn. She answers a few messages and does a business call. From afar, Lumen signals to her. Tala acknowledges her and ends her business call.

Tala: Success?
Lumen: Yup, I got a room for you. It’s one of our most popular ones.
Tala: Niiiice! Thanks you didn’t have to do that.
Lumen: Not to worry! Any friend of Johnny’s is a friend of mine too.

Lumen shows her where her room is. As they start walking, Tala walks faster to walk beside Lumen.
Tala: Johnny’s a friend too?
Lumen: Yeah. We were neighbors and then before he moved, he offered me this job at the inn cause i like being in the woods.
Tala: Same here. It’s like another dimension, another world you know?
Lumen: (pauses a little bit surprised but in a good way) Yup, it is.
Tala: It’s so relaxing out here.
Lumen: Many of our guests say the same thing. They really enjoy it here. (looks at the garden)
Tala: (looks at Lumen) I could see why (then smiles at her).

They continue to walk and as they take a turn, they are greeted by the calming sound of the waterfall. Tala is flabbergasted.

Tala: Whoaaaaaaa… A-MA-ZINGGGGGGG… (she accidentally trips over a rock) Sorry, I meant to do that.

Lumen tries to hide her giggle. Tala laughs at herself. They finally reach the room.

Lumen: Here you go. Your room and your key. (opens the door then hands Tala the key)
Tala: Thanks! I’ll bring in my things later. Is it ok to check out the grounds?
Lumen: Sure! would you like me to show you or you want to roam around on your own?
Tala: I’d like the company, so yes please.
Lumen: Okay, meet you after work? My shift ends at 8pm.
Tala: Okay, 8. Got it! Thanks for the help, Lumen.
Lumen: My pleasure, Tala. I’ll see you later.
Tala: Later!

Tala goes into her room and takes in the ambiance and the scenery. Wanting to rest for a while, she lays down on the bed and quickly goes to sleep.

Int. Tala’s Room - The Next Morning

Tala checks the time, it’s 8 o’clock… A.M.!

Tala: Oh snappp!!! (wakes up in panic and falls from the bed) Ouch…

She gets up from the bed and looks out the window. There’s already light outside and the other guests are enjoying a swim by the waterfall. There’s a knock on the door.

Lumen: Tala? Tala?... Tala, it’s Lumen.

Tala hurriedly goes to the bathroom and fixes herself up. She then finally opens the door.

Tala: Hi… I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to meet you last night.
Lumen: It’s okay. I just wanted to check if you’re okay. You weren’t answering last night when I was knocking at the door.
Tala: Yeah, yeah. It was a long drive getting here so I think my body felt it.
Lumen: Okay, I just wanted to know if you’re okay. So I’ll let you rest now.
Tala: Wait, wait. Um, when… when can I meet you?
Lumen: Uhh, actually I’m free now. Anytime today, actually. It’s my off today.
Tala: I see. Gimme 5 minutes? That okay with you?
Lumen: Sure. I’ll just stay here outside.
Tala: No, no, no please come in!

Lumen goes inside Tala’s room and sits on the chair beside the small table. She looks around the room and sees their cartoon character slippers at the foot of the bed.

[story continues in the comments...]