I worked as maintenance in a chain hotel.
There was one room at the end of the hall where things would happen while you were working on it, and the same two things every time: sometimes the faucet would start running. Not full blast or anything, but turned on enough to be running steadily.
A half turn of the knob I’d say. I’d be in the other room and suddenly hear water gurgling down the drain. Sometimes I’d be working on the tub and hear it on behind me. Whoever/whatever would also turn on the tv.
I’ll never forget being warned on my first day at this hotel that things would happen in the room, and then while making a bed and rustling the sheets noisily–suddenly aware I was hearing muffled voices and saw the tv was on.
We have numerous hotel guest that complained about this room and said that “something not working” but I always come by and there was nothing wrong.
I’m getting chills thinking back on those moments. Whatever part of the room your back was to, it felt like someone was there. I got the feeling they didn’t want to be in the way, but they wanted to be there with you.
The housekeeping staff would always go in pairs for this particular hotel room.
One thing we all felt throughout the staff: none of us felt threatened….none of us felt like it was a bad person or someone who was trying to frighten us. We all felt overwhelmed like it was someone trying to reach out. And had limited ways. And was lonely. Sometimes I’d say hello, sometimes I’d say sorry because I felt like if they were frustrated trying to tell me something, I’d want them to know I felt for them.
I realize I sound crazy but it happened super regularly and was witnessed by a lot of people.
I thought about whoever it could be, a lot. I hope having people staying in the room more steadily will be a good thing for whoever that spirit was. Maybe they felt less lonely with more hotel guests actually living there.