“The wall decorations were dusty metal lobsters and faded pictures of ships. The bedspread had cigarette burns. Inside the nightstand drawer were a complimentary pen and three postcards. “Vacation Dreams Begin at the Coastal Dreams Motel.” I went out to the machine and got a soda. The sun was going down; the sky was orange and pink.”

“The wall decorations were dusty metal lobsters and faded pictures of ships. The bedspread had cigarette burns. Inside the nightstand drawer were a complimentary pen and three postcards. “Vacation Dreams Begin at the Coastal Dreams Motel.” I went out to the machine and got a soda. The sun was going down; the sky was orange and pink.”

— Wally Lamb