He paid me in advance then asked me not to come

He booked three nights. No negotiation, no hesitation. Crypto arrived the same hour full amount, plus extra. The hotel was already reserved in my name, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road. His message was brief: “I’ll be in town Friday. You’ll have the suite key waiting.” I replied only to confirm. He didn’t ask what I’d wear or how I’d greet him. No demands. Just distance.

But Friday morning, I received another message. “Please don’t come.” No explanation. No refund request. Just silence.

I waited a few hours before replying. “The suite is under my name. Should I cancel?” He responded quickly: “No. Keep it. Order anything you want.” I considered letting it go take the payment and walk away. But something told me this wasn’t about me at all. I went.

The suite was untouched. Blinds closed. A suitcase near the bed. But no sign of him. I checked the minibar, walked to the desk, and found a small handwritten note. It simply said: “I needed to know someone would come, even if I couldn’t.”

I stayed that night alone. I didn’t order food, didn’t change, just stood at the window watching traffic pass down Sheikh Zayed Road, wondering how many people sleep surrounded by glass but feel completely unseen. He never arrived, he never wrote again and I never followed up.

But I kept the note.