The Lost Tourist

Renata walks through the old town square every morning. She knows every street and shop in the area. Today she sees a man near the fountain. He looks at his phone, then looks up, confused.

"Excuse me," he says. "Can you help me? I can't find my hotel."

"Of course," Renata says. "What's the name of your hotel?"

"The Riverside Inn," Tobias says. "I don't know the way from here."

Renata smiles. "I know that hotel well. It's not far from here."

"Really? I walked around for twenty minutes," Tobias says.

"This town is easy to get lost in," Renata says. "The streets turn in strange ways."

"I noticed that," Tobias says with a small laugh. "My phone map doesn't work well here."

"Come with me," Renata says. "I walk past your hotel every day."

They walk together down a narrow street. Renata points to shops as they pass.

"That bakery makes the best bread in town," she says. "And that café has great coffee."

Tobias listens carefully. "You know a lot about this town."

"I grew up here," Renata says. "I know every corner of it."

After a few minutes, they reach a big blue building. Renata points to the door.

"There it is," she says. "The Riverside Inn."

Tobias looks happy. "Thank you so much. I never find my way alone in new cities."

"You're welcome," Renata says. "Enjoy your stay in our town."

"I will," Tobias says. "Maybe I'll ask you for directions again tomorrow."

Renata laughs. "Anytime. I'm always near this square."

She waves and walks on toward her office.