Rain pelted the windows of the Grand Lumière Hotel, its chandeliers gleaming amidst the storm. Concierge Mr. Watson stood rigidly at the desk, ensuring every detail met the hotel’s high standards.
When a bedraggled man stumbled in, soaked and smelling of wet dog, Watson wrinkled his nose. “I’m afraid we have no vacancies,” he snapped, dismissing the man to a nearby motel.
An hour later, the lobby doors swung open again. This time, a dapper gentleman approached, impeccably dressed. Watson’s eyes widened; it was the same man he’d turned away.
“Good evening,” the man said smoothly. “I’d like a room, please.”
Watson’s heart raced. “Of course, sir. May I ask what happened to your… previous attire?”
“I found a truck stop with showers,” the man replied, a slight smile on his lips. “Amazing what a little soap can do, isn’t it?”
As Watson processed the reservation, he felt a knot in his stomach. On the third day of the man’s stay, Watson overheard him on the phone discussing changes he planned to make at the hotel.
“Ah, Mr. Watson,” the man said, catching his gaze. “I’m Charles Bloomington, the new owner.”
Watson’s face drained as he realized his error. “Your behavior toward guests has been… unprofessional,” Bloomington stated.
To Watson’s surprise, he offered him a second chance. Over the following weeks, Watson implemented new policies promoting equal treatment for all guests.
One rainy evening, another bedraggled traveler entered. Watson welcomed him warmly, relieved he hadn’t wasted his second chance.