Hallway Carton

Slipped right past the rubber door sweep while the latch was cracked! The hallway outside is a long, echoey tunnel. Chilly concrete under my boots, completely different from the rugs inside. Right outside number 304, a thick cardboard delivery box was resting beside a ribbed mat. Two quick strides, a scramble up the corner seam, and boom—landed square on top! The brown packing tape crunched under my soles with a loud, papery snap. A blue shipping sticker was peeling at one corner, so I gave it a sharp yank. Rip! Split clean into two little paper flags. Every tiny rustle bounces straight down the stairwell. I like it out here.