European Hotel Confessions- Scene 1 Instant

(Takes the letter, reads silently. Her expression doesn’t change.) This is not a confession, Mr. Julian. This is a goodbye.

Told her what?

A small, dimly lit hotel lobby in Vienna. Late autumn. Rain streaks the window. An ancient elevator with a folding metal gate stands stage left. A front desk with a brass bell and a leather guest book. European Hotel Confessions- Scene 1

(Softly) Welcome to the Hotel Continental. Your secrets are safe here. They simply never leave.

(Shakes rain from his hat) The ghost checked out. 1923. No forwarding address. (Takes the letter, reads silently

(Smiles, picks up the bell, does not ring it) You just did.

I already have a room. 217.

(Pulls the crumpled letter from his pocket) I found this. Under the mattress. Not my handwriting. Not my name. But my room.