The Unofficial Night

This Is The Story Of A Simple, Rebellious Swim That Became The Turning Point In Our Lives And Uncovered A Major Environmental Scandal. It Shows How Sometimes, Breaking A Small, Seemingly Petty Rule Can Lead To The Discovery Of A Much Bigger, Silent Wrong

My Husband And I Were Staying At A Beautiful, But Strict, Resort Called “The Golden Siren.” They Had One Very Clear Rule: The Pool Was Strictly Off-Limits After 5:00 PM. The Reason, Displayed On A Stern Brass Plaque, Was: “Pool Closes At 5:00 PM For Chemical Treatment And Safety.”

I, However, Was Determined To Enjoy My Vacation To The Fullest. I Felt Entitled To That Late-Night Dip. My Husband, Ben, Warned Me Not To Go. He Is A Very Careful, By-The-Book Kind Of Person, But I Was Stubborn. I Went Anyway, Telling Myself I Was Simply Reclaiming My Right To Vacation Enjoyment.

I Swam Happily For A Few Minutes. Then, The Unexpected Happened. Suddenly, The Pool Lights Flickered And Died, Plunging The Entire Area Into Eerie, Absolute Darkness.

“Here’s Your Punishment!”

I Scrambled Out Of The Pool, Dripping And Absolutely Terrified, My Heart Pounding Against My Ribs. I Rushed Back To Our Room, Expecting To Face A Massive Fine From The Hotel Security.