A Curious Cavern

I shuffled past the open screen door and stepped onto the sun-warmed wooden planks outside. Resting right beside a terracotta flowerpot was a huge running shoe with white laces trailing across the deck. I paused, tilting my head at the glossy plastic tip resting by my foot. Creeping closer, I took hold of the lace with both hands and gave a firm tug. The cord slipped through a metallic eyelet with a soft rasp, and the padded tongue flopped outward. Startled by the sudden flap, I tucked my chin into my collar and froze. When it stayed still, I leaned forward, letting out a soft murmur into the dark, cozy opening.