The Narrow Gap

A door stood slightly cracked down the corridor. I moved along the baseboard, keeping my footsteps light and deliberate. Across the floorboards cut a single, sharp strip of bright morning light, slicing the shadow in two. I stopped right at its edge. The contrast was stark. I raised a hand, pressing my fingers against the painted wood to steady myself, and leaned in to peer through the narrow slit. Inside, quiet darkness waited, cool and untouched. I stood motionless, letting my eye take in the stillness beyond.