Mia, that reservation is just holding a bed for you; you have to pay for it yourself.
Sis, it's New Year's—rooms are impossible to find! That hostel is in a prime location! We had to pull strings just to get you a spot!
It's your own fault for taking time off so late. Everything was already booked.
The last flicker of hope in my chest died.
My gaze dropped to the small suitcase at my feet. Inside were the outfits I'd carefully picked for this family trip—and the little gifts I'd brought for Mom, Dad, and my cousin.
"Miss, are you staying or not?" The guy at the front desk was losing patience.
Stay?
Why should I stay here? To save forty bucks?
"I'm not staying. Thanks."
I dragged my suitcase out of the hostel and stood on the curb.
My phone buzzed again.
Sis, we're heading out to eat! Big-plate chicken—you coming or not?
Then Mom: Mia, we already ordered. Grab a cab and get over here, it's right next to the hotel.
She dropped a location pin. A popular local restaurant. Not cheap.
Why?
Why did I have to swallow every grievance in silence and hide away in some forty-dollar hostel?
They were hoping I wouldn't show up, weren't they?
Then I'd make damn sure I did.
I raised my hand and flagged down a cab. "Take me here."
On my screen was the check-in location from my cousin's social media post—that five-star hotel gleaming under golden lights.
The lobby wrapped around me in warmth and perfume the moment I stepped inside. Nothing like the damp, gloomy hostel.
Everything matched her photos. Even more stunning in person.
The receptionist smiled. "Good evening. How may I help you?"
"Do you have any rooms left? A king."
"Yes, ma'am."
Check-in was quick.
The room was spacious, elegantly decorated. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city's glittering skyline.
I glanced at the family group chat. Mom and my cousin were still going back and forth—raving about the food, asking where I was.
I typed: On my way now.
When I arrived, they were already deep into dinner.
The table was loaded: big-plate chicken, hand-pulled lamb, baked buns...
My cousin spotted me first. Her smile froze for a split second. "Sis! Finally! We've been waiting forever!"
Dad turned. "Good, you're here. Sit down and eat."
Mom moved to pour me water—then realized there wasn't even a cup in front of my seat.
She twisted around. "Waiter! We need another place setting!"
I sat down and watched the cozy scene unfold.
My cousin chattered about their trip to the lake. Mom chimed in with little details. Dad added a comment here and there.
"Oh, Mia—how was the hostel? Settling in okay?" Mom's voice was warm, but her eyes flickered away for just a moment.
"Fine," I said.
"Good, good." She visibly relaxed. "It's the holiday—everywhere's packed. Having a roof over your head is already lucky!"
My cousin jumped in. "Seriously, Sis, you have no idea how hard it was to find you a room."
"We booked our hotel six months in advance. Otherwise? No chance."
Six months.
They'd booked the five-star hotel six months ago.
