Amy stood alone on the Night Love Hotel room's balcony, her mind filled with questions about Larry's whereabouts. The moonlight was her only companion in the dimly lit room.
Larry had given her explicit instructions to wait in his friend's bedroom with the lights off for a few minutes.
He and his Korean friends had gone out to get some midnight snacks, assuring her that they would all later embark on an excursion to the Gondola, where they could appreciate the beauty of Queenstown at night from the mountain above.
But why did she need to turn off the lights, she wondered? Larry had suggested that she use this time to admire the city's pristine beauty in the darkness.
And it was undeniable. From the sixth floor, Queenstown's view was so enchanting that it literally took her breath away.
Queenstown, nestled in Central Otago of the South Island of Mexico, was a charming town embraced by majestic mountains, cloaked in forests, predominantly composed of pine trees.
Nestled in the midst of these forested arms was their prized gem, Lake Wakatipu, a crystal-clear lake where one could spot freshwater fish swimming if they looked closely enough.
These forests concealed their most precious jewel, the lake, as if enticing the world to discover it. And discover it, the world did.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the globe flocked to this small town each year to feast their eyes on the exotic lake and its serene beauty.
Whether in summer when the flowers burst into full bloom, winter when the town transformed into a wonderland, spring when the buds beckoned the bees, or autumn when golden-yellow leaves covered the ground, Queenstown charmed visitors year-round.
However, the prime season was undoubtedly winter, when fresh snow still covered the mountain peaks that entertained tourists with various extreme sports like skiing, bungee jumping, and skydiving.
A brisk wind sent a shiver down her spine, but she was reluctant to return to the room.
This town was too captivating to leave behind; she wanted to savor it a little longer. Perched on the balcony railing, she observed the bustling tourists outside Torque, the high-class nightclub next door, resembling tiny ants in a queue, carrying their spoils.
In the distance, disco music and laughter reached her ears.
They were clearly having a great time, unlike her, entangled in her own dilemmas, a thirty-year-old yearning for a child, and specifically, Kyle's sperm.
She knew someday she would have her child, and yes, that sperm. When she returned to Chicago, she had made it her mission to acquire it, perhaps even buy it from him. She had the means.
If that plan didn't pan out, she could always revisit the fertility clinic for a consultation. For now, she didn't need to dwell on it. As Larry had advised, she needed to stay positive.
This was Queenstown, the land of freedom, inspiration, and rejuvenation. She was alive and breathing, and that was what truly mattered. Everything else could wait for tomorrow.
Tonight, there would be no more thoughts of babies. Tonight, they were headed to the Gondola.
Oh, the Gondola! She couldn't wait to see the entire town from above, especially at night.
She had been there during the day, but witnessing the cityscape at night promised a different experience.
Others had told her that Queenstown, this quaint tourist town, resembled tiny fireflies lighting up the night, creating a spectacular sight thanks to its lively nightlife.
As she inhaled the fresh pine scent surrounding her, Amy's spirits lifted. She loved it, she loved this scent, and she loved her life.
Amy stifled a yawn and checked her cell phone for the time, wondering why Larry was taking so long. If he didn't arrive in another minute, she'd call him. That's when she noticed three missed calls from Kyle.
What could Kyle want at this hour of the night? The calls had been made around seven p.m. There was also a text message from him. She opened it and read: "Can I see you tonight?"
Heaven above, Kyle wanted to see her. She glanced at her phone's clock; it was past eleven p.m.
Should she call him back and apologize for the late hour?
He might already be asleep, or perhaps he was out sightseeing, just as she would be if Larry showed up.
Amy's subconscious barely registered the faint sound of a door creaking open, followed by hushed murmurs from inside the room.
Her thoughts were too preoccupied with Kyle and his message. Her phone buzzed again, signaling another message.
This time, it was from Larry. That scoundrel, she thought. Where had he been? She read the message: "Hey, cuz. Cupid has brought you Kyle. Get that sperm."
"Larry?" she whispered when strong arms wrapped around her from behind, enveloping her in a muscular embrace, and a soft whisper that nearly made her knees go weak. "My mysterious goddess. Were you waiting for me?"
*****
Justin stumbled into the room, cursing under his breath as he wondered what was wrong with the waiter kid.
As he fumbled to find the light switch, he noticed her – the enigmatic woman who had summoned him to this darkened room. She stood on the balcony like a mystical goddess of the night, gazing at the city below.