Martoons

Cast of characters

Fred

Fred’s hostess

*

Chinju red light district. The back of that awfully seedy motel.

The tingles of desire intensified and Fred stretched luxuriously. He slapped his hands on his knees: He was ready.

He’d let Hostess work her magic with the massage to get him in the mood then he’d unleash the beast. She’d be offering him cash by the time this was over!

He’d be the customer she’d never forget – a model client. He’d make Canada proud! Yes – he was a diplomat.  

Yet Hostess continued fidgeting about in the restroom; still getting prepared. Fred looked on.

How friggin’ long does she have to primp herself for? Is this another Korean thing? 

* Why do you think she’s taking so long? *

He started getting weird, alienating vibes and hadn’t even seen her face yet. He continued sitting there and breathing deeply.

She was finally done with the brush and turned around in his general direction but was still intent on not acknowledging his existence. He shrugged.

More Korean style he guessed.

With her head down and hair covering most of her face, she walked right past him over to the TV, which was in a cheesy cabinet at the far end of the room.

He’d only seen her shadowy face for a split second but she was beautiful and he was feeling so confident.

The wall with the cheesy cabinet had a giant mirror on it.

When the hostess flicked on the TV, the light emanating from it allowed Fred to see her facial reflection in the mirror.

He gasped.

* Why the gasp? *

Was it … her? It couldn’t be. He strained his eyes and took a second gawk. Actually, yes it could.

It was her.

* Who?! *

Yet … mirror images can be deceiving.

Suddenly Hostess was ready for him and turned to face him, whipping open her housecoat to reveal a night gown, and slinking toward him.

Fred’s jaw dropped and he went all googly-eyed. He was unable to move; just sat there frozen.

Hostess flung her long, hanging-down hair aside to clear her face and her eyes met Fred’s, if for only a split second.

But then she gulped and skidded to a stop in front of him. “Oh my God!”

“Cleaning Lady’s daughter, Rose!”

She whipped her housecoat closed and tied up the belt faster than Fred could bat an eyelash. It was as if to say, “You never saw that. Secret! Promise?”

“I actually did, but…”

She didn’t say a word but again her body language repeated, “No! You never saw that.”

“You are right. I never saw that.”

“You were never here.”

“…Right.”

Fred immediately got up and moved toward the door. His feet slid out of the slippers and he crouched over to put his shoes back on.

Then he thought of something. Maybe he could save face.

* How? *

“I…I just came here to wish you Merry Christmas.” He pulled out all the money he had in his pocket – about $30.

“Please – this is for you. And say hello to your mother for me.” He bowed quickly, turned around and fled.

*

Tomorrow: Thomas takes his shot with Coffee Lady.