Runner Up: Stephanie Haefner
Depew, New York
Congratulations, Stephanie!
Stephanie’s Bio:
“My name is Stephanie Haefner and I live in Western NY, just outside Buffalo where I was born and raised. I am married, almost 9 years and we have a wonderful little girl who is 4. I work as a floral designer specializing in weddings, my own business that I run out of my home. I have a passion for writing fiction for and about women, hoping to make it my full time career one day soon! I have 2 completed novels written, one in the genre of women's literature with the other being chick lit. I had two works accepted for publication in an anthology book about Buffalo, one flash fiction piece and the other a short non-fiction piece. My hobbies range from crafts and scrap-booking to all forms of dance and of course, writing!”
A Faded Oasis
By Stephanie Haefner
The first thing I did after signing my Jane Hancock on the last check for my car loan was click online to see what last minute trip deals I could find. Maybe a getaway to Vegas, or perhaps a jaunt to NYC for some shopping? A few days at a relaxing spa sounded heavenly too. After working non-stop for 2 months and making all this extra money, I deserved to reward myself and celebrate.
I came across an ad for an all-inclusive Cancun trip. The pictures online looked like they were straight out of an episode of Vacations of the Rich and Famous. The blue-green ocean edged the white sandy beach; tanned bodies were basking in the sun. I could already smell the cocoa butter. It was perfect. I booked a room for me and Candy, my adventurous, up-for-anything-anytime friend.
Our plane touched down and I could feel the heat the second we stepped off. The sooner we got to the beach, the better. I envisioned frosty margaritas in our hands as we checked out hot guys, deciding which ones we'd flirt with.
A cab dropped us off in front of a deserted looking hotel. The shrubs and flowers were overgrown and I didn't see a single other person around.
“Are you sure this is the right place?” I asked the driver.
“Si! Paradise Cove,” he said pointing at a sign that was missing a few letters. An older man hobbled out and retrieved our suitcases from the trunk, leading us inside. A woman stood at the front desk with the same tanned, wrinkled face as the man carrying our bags. She smiled as we walked up.
“Good afternoon! Welcome!” she greeted us with a thick Spanish accent. We walked to the grand patio out back. There were a few tables and the remains of a bar and stools. Dust covered lights were strung across the awning. As I looked out, the emerald water rushed at the white sandy beach just like the pictures online. It was breathtaking. The worn down, tattered resort around me faded and all I saw was the beautiful sight before me. I envisioned what the resort must have been like in its heyday, before time and storms took over. I could see the patrons laughing, dancing, drinking; having the time of their lives. I could picture the tanned bodies lounging on the beach, sipping tropical drinks with umbrellas in them. I envisioned a younger couple running the resort as husband and wife, taking care of their guests with smiles on their faces.
I walked down the stairs to the beach, removing my flip-flops so my toes could sink into the sand. I ran to the ocean and twirled around in it. This may not have been the vacation I always dreamed of, but I was going to be the guest this old couple had been dreaming of having for years.***