3am Today

Ebert, a man of romantic aspirations and questionable decision making skills, found himself in the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia. His mission? To find true love amidst the ancient temples and bustling streets of this enchanting city.

Armed with a guidebook that had seen better days and a naive optimism rivaled only by a Labrador puppy, Ebert set out on his quest. He strolled through the vibrant markets, where the scent of spices mingled with the chatter of vendors, each hawking their wares with the finesse of seasoned salesmen.

As Ebert meandered through the labyrinthine alleyways, his eyes fell upon a vision of beauty, a young woman with a mischievous glint in her eye and a smile that could melt even the most cynical heart. She was Srey, (ស្រី) a bar girl with a penchant for adventure and a knack for separating clueless tourists from their hard-earned cash.

Ebert, smitten by Srey’s charm and charisma, approached her with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop. “Hello there,” he said, his voice cracking with nervousness. “I couldn’t help but notice your radiant smile. Would you care to join me for a drink?”

Srey, well-versed in the art of extracting drinks from unsuspecting suitors, flashed Ebert a knowing grin. “Why, of course, darling,” she purred, her words dripping with honeyed sweetness. “But first, let me show you the wonders of Siem Reap.”

And so, Ebert found himself swept up in a whirlwind romance unlike any he had ever experienced. Srey led him on a tour of the city’s hidden gems, from secret watering holes to off-the-beaten-path temples, each more enchanting than the last.

But as the days turned into weeks, Ebert began to realize that perhaps his fairytale romance was not quite what it seemed. Srey’s affections seemed to wane as quickly as they had blossomed, and Ebert couldn’t shake the feeling that he was merely a pawn in her elaborate game.

In a moment of clarity (or perhaps sheer desperation), Ebert confronted Srey, his heart heavy with disappointment. “Is this all just a game to you?” he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

Srey, caught off guard by Ebert’s sudden burst of insight, hesitated for a moment before replying with a shrug. “It’s just business, darling,” she said, her words echoing hollowly in the still night air.

And so, Ebert’s quest for love in the land of temples and tuk-tuks came to an abrupt and somewhat anticlimactic end. But as he boarded the next flight out of Siem Reap, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the lessons learned and the adventures had, no matter how misguided they may have been.

And who knows? Perhaps true love was waiting for him just around the corner, in a place far removed from the neon lights and dubious charms of Cambodia’s nightlife scene.

Or perhaps not.