A Door Left Ajar

A tiny gap had opened at the bottom of the front door, letting in a cool draft and the hum of the corridor outside. I had spent so many days tucked between furniture and books that the widening strip of daylight felt completely irresistible. Murmuring softly, I tilted my head and stepped past the edge of the hallway mat. Right beside the metal door sill rested an abandoned yellow umbrella in a tall metal stand. I reached out and gently gripped the hook handle with both hands, using its steady weight to lean around the heavy wood. Outside, a pristine hallway lined with textured runner carpet stretched onward, completely empty and waiting.