The Master Key

A giant brass skeleton key hung from a low wooden display pegboard right beside the antique shop doorway. Pausing with a sharp, theatrical tilt of my head, I crept forward on silent boots to inspect its notched teeth. Reaching high on tiptoes, I unhooked the heavy metal loop and hoisted the key across my shoulder like an ornate broadsword. Turning toward the red brick wall, I mimed discovering an invisible, oversized keyhole. I slid the brass teeth into the empty air, braced my boots wide, and threw my entire torso into a dramatic, slow-motion turn—click! Throwing both arms wide to swing the imaginary grand portal open, I took an expansive, soundless stage bow.