A Step Past the Threshold

The main door clicked open just a sliver when someone went out, and I couldn't resist sneaking through! Right outside, the cool hallway floor stretched into an echoing canyon. In front of the neighbor's door lay a thick, woven coir mat patterned with big navy and gold triangles. I scampered across the smooth stone tiles and scrambled onto the rough, prickly bristles. It felt like standing on a bed of tiny twigs! From the top of this patterned ridge, every soft whisper in the corridor sounded giant and exciting. I crouched low, soaking in the brand new world just steps from home.