Ralph's promise turns out to be true; the hot dogs they have are the best Melinda has ever eaten. And the company isn't bad either. Melinda finds herself enjoying her time with Ralph. He tells her about the inner workings of the resort, and relates funny stories about various guests who have stayed there over the years. Melinda finds herself laughing freely for the first time in a week.      "Thanks for making me laugh, Ralph," she says once he tells her that his break is over. "I really needed that!"      "Hey, the carnival is in town Friday night. What do you say we go together? We'll have some dinner and then make ourselves sick on the roller coasters, and then we'll blow all our money on those fixed carnie games," Ralph says.      "That sounds great," Melinda says smiling. "I'd really like that."      "Good," he says grinning. "I'll come and get you at 6:30 or so. It's the Castaway Suite, right?"      "That's the one," she says. "I'll see you then. Thanks again, Ralph."      He winks at her, waves, and walks away towards the main resort building. She watches him go, a small smile on her lips. It felt good to laugh again and forget about everything.      "This is going to be a great vacation," she says aloud. Then she turns and makes her way to her room, intent on taking a hot bath and a nice, long nap.