Grid of Compartments

A metal parcel locker on the lower tier stood slightly unlatched. I approached across the cool tile and pressed my palm against the painted steel door. It swung open without a sound. Inside, the chamber was a clean, hollow cube of sheet metal, smelling faintly of cardboard and dust. I stepped into the enclosure, turning to face outward as the heavy door drifted back toward the frame. Through the three horizontal ventilation slits cut into the face, the bright lobby appeared divided into narrow, alternating bands of light and shadow. I rested my back against the rear wall, completely still. Every footstep across the terrazzo floor outside registered clearly.