‘What is it?’ he says, entering the hotel room.
‘Water.’
He runs a hand across the jelly like surface and watches the aquamarine wobble.
‘Like a water bed?’
She smiles. ‘No, it’s actual water from the sea. These sensors on the corners emit a frequency that jellifies the surface tension.’
‘But I can’t put my hand through it?’ he says, pushing his hand down and watching the surface of the water bend under his palm.
‘Wouldn’t make for a great sleeping experience if you fell through it.’
‘Is that a fish?’
The bright little creature zips through one side of the bed, hovers a moment, then zips through the other side and is gone.
‘Those lights on either side of the frame are portals that connect to the reef outside. Animals small enough can come and go through them, as well as the water that flows through.’
He whistles. ‘Impressive. So I’ll be sleeping on the actual sea?’
‘Yes, that’s the intention. We also provide pillows for neck support.’
‘Quilts?’
‘Most customers find that the water stays warm enough throughout the night. There are spare sheets in the cupboard however.’
‘What if I stab it?’
‘The water? You’ll get wet most likely, then the tension will reseal itself.’
‘Incredible. What’s the reasoning behind it?’
‘We find that our customers benefit from close proximity to nature, especially in an environment where they can relax, after spending so much time in the city. The slight undulation of the water has been found to help customers who struggle to sleep without medical aid as well as inducing a deeper, more restful sleep for almost anyone.’ She scratches her nose. ‘But mostly because it’s cool.’
Paddy Dobson
18th May 2021