A Crack in the Door

Waiting patiently near the front mat, I noticed the heavy door had not clicked entirely shut, leaving a tiny sliver of cool hallway air drifting inside. Still carrying the soft wool scarf draped over my back, I took a deliberate step toward the threshold. I leaned my weight forward, resting my plush forehead against the cool painted wood to gently test its give. The door creaked softly and swung open just wide enough for me to peer into the quiet, carpeted outside corridor. The long hallway with its warm sconce lights felt like the beginning of a whole new journey.