Dus part 2

The front door mat looked different this morning. Resting near the bottom shelf of the shoe rack was a tall leather riding boot, standing straight and empty. I walked over with measured steps, pausing to inspect the mottled creases along the dark brown leather. Reaching up, I hooked my fingers over the stiff rim and pulled myself up. The opening was wide. I dropped down inside, my feet meeting the cushioned leather insole with a dull thump. Down here, the hallway sounded muffled and distant. I poked my head just above the curved collar to watch the hallway dust slowly settle.