A Clean Cue

Heading back upstairs from the mailroom, I found myself waiting by the elevator doors. The brushed stainless steel panels towered up like two tall, muted mirrors. A small dropped copper penny rested quietly near the floor seam, dulling the clean reflection. I took a slow, calculated step forward, nudging the coin with the tip of my shoe until it nestled flush against the base trim. Then, ding! The chime chimed. Right on cue, the sliding doors parted, bathing the cool hall in warm yellow light. I held my pose, tipping my hat brim to greet the empty cab.