Inconceivable

The Shining (first chapter)

(1)

“Entering forbidden territory will bring evil.”

The long, narrow highway winds its way up the mountain, stretching as far as the eye can see. Dense thickets of trees rush towards you on both sides, creating a suffocating sense of oppression. Winter is approaching, and gray and white dominate the landscape. A biting cold, carrying a peculiar, fishy smell, assaults the lungs.

Ahead lay a tunnel. The further he went, the more intense the surging, agonizing sensation became, but this uncontrolled catharsis was something 35-year-old Jack Talens found enjoyable. He'd driven his beat-up car through the desolate streets for an afternoon to apply for a job at a secluded mountainside lodge. Since his drunken assault on a student, no university had dared to let him set foot on campus; this was his last chance for a change in his life. Jack was breaking through the pressure...

He gasped for breath amidst the suppressed pleasure, the fishy smell stimulating his nerves. The car roared and accelerated, crashing into the gaping black...

tunnel.

This area was once a Native American cemetery. In the early 20th century, a group of white people drove the Native Americans out in their own unique way and built this magnificent hotel over the burial grounds of their ancestors.

Interview.

As its name suggests, the Overlooking Hotel is indeed a great place to enjoy panoramic views. Built halfway up a snow-capped mountain, the hotel opens its doors wide in a fan shape, welcoming all guests. Isolated among the mountains, with no other buildings around, it provides an ideal resting place for travelers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of life. In front of the hotel is a large parking lot, large enough to accommodate a large convoy of cars, a testament to the hotel's former grandeur. However, at this moment, only a few cars were scattered around the parking lot.

Jack Tarrance walked into the spacious Overlook Hotel, where the environment was refreshing. The bright glass, the open lobby, and the high-society people coming and going made Jack feel as if he had returned to the respected high society.

“I am Jack Tallens, and I have an appointment with Mr. Uman,” Jack said to the hotel receptionist. This professor, who had once captivated students at university, began his first steps in integrating into his new environment with impeccable manners. His neat attire, snow-white collar, and the faint bluish tinge on his freshly shaved chin suggested nothing of alcoholism or violence.

"His office is the first one on the left." The foreman smiled as he watched Jack's elegant figure from behind. A gentle gentleman always wins people's favor at first glance.

Following the foreman's directions, Jack arrived at Mr. Ullman's office. A neatly dressed middle-aged gentleman was working inside, with a large window behind him letting in sunlight, creating a warm and reassuring atmosphere. Jack composed himself. Having taught at the university for many years, he knew how to gain people's trust. If it weren't for that drunken night, he would be sitting in that spacious office right now. He had been sober for six months, but the thought of alcohol still gave Jack a fleeting sense of pleasure.

“Mr. Uman? I am—”

"Please come in!" Before Jack could finish speaking, Mr. Ullman recognized him and welcomed him into his office with a smile. "It's a pleasure to see you!"

“Me too.” That’s a good start, Jack thought.

“This is my secretary, Susie,” Uman introduced to Jack, showing him the woman standing next to him.

"Hello, Susie." Jack gave a slight bow.

"Is it easy to find?" Mr. Uman asked.

"It was easy to find, only took three and a half hours." Confident Jack started to joke, the relaxed atmosphere being the key to victory.

"It'll be ready soon. Would you like some coffee?"

“If you’d like, I’ll have one too.” Jack turned to Susie. “Thank you.”

Susie walked toward the door, but Uman called her back: "Please let Bill Watson in."

"OK."

Jack quietly adjusted to a comfortable position; he was determined to get this job.

A tranquil home.

Twenty-eight-year-old Wendy held a coffee cup, reading a magazine about how to furnish a comfortable home on a budget. Jack had been unemployed for over six months, their savings were nearly depleted, and if her husband couldn't find work soon, the family of three would have to rely on welfare. But poverty and anxiety hadn't affected Wendy's good nature; no matter the difficulties, life had to go on. She glanced at the other end of the table; her five-year-old son, Danny, was eating a sandwich while intently watching television. Danny was a good boy, but he often displayed a maturity beyond his years. Everything would be alright once the family crisis was over, Wendy thought.

"Mom?" Danny suddenly looked up and called to Wendy.

"how?"

"Are we really going to that hotel in the winter?" Danny asked.

“Of course, it will be a lot of fun there,” Wendy tried to make a good impression on the child. If Jack got the job, it would certainly be a good thing; a change in circumstances would bring hope to people in difficult situations.

“…Yeah, I think so too.” Although he said that, Danny was clearly very reluctant. “Anyway, there’s no one there to play with me.”

"I know it takes time to make friends."

"Yes, I think so too."

"What does Tony think? I think he'll be looking forward to it too." Wendy wanted to change the subject to something lighter. Tony was a friend Danny had imagined; in reality, he was just one of Danny's fingers.

“Mrs. Tarrances, I didn’t,” the child said, raising a finger to speak for Tony. Although the voice came from Danny’s mouth, it sounded like someone else’s voice—deep and hoarse.

Wendy often thought that the child had a talent for performing. "Tony, stop being so temperamental," Wendy said gently.

“I don’t want to go!” Tony’s refusal was firm and decisive, unlike Danny’s gentle and tactful manner. Tony’s attitude sent a chill down Wendy’s spine, but the doubt vanished quickly. Wendy smiled; he was just a five-year-old child!

Why don't you want to go?

"I just don't want to." There was a barely perceptible fear hidden in that voice.

In the hostel's office.

The meeting had been going on for a while, and it was clear that the three people in the room were having a very relaxed conversation. The lush green trees outside the window, bathed in sunlight, put Jack in a good mood, and he spoke with ease in front of Mr. Ullman and Mr. Watson, the head of the household.

"Did the people in Denver tell you what the job entails?" Mr. Uman asked Jack.

"I gave you a rough outline."

“Very good. Winter is ruthless. We need to check all parts of the hotel regularly every day, check the boiler pressure, and repair any damage that may occur. Only by repairing things in a timely manner can we keep the hotel running.”

“No problem,” Jack answered without hesitation. For a universi

……