A Step Past the Threshold

The metal door swung inward with a soft click as someone entered with groceries. I took a slow breath of the sudden draft. Instead of turning back, I paced forward and stepped right across the brushed steel sill into the outer corridor. The floor here was smooth, cool stone. Right by the doorframe sat a canvas tote bag resting against the wall. A stalk of fresh celery poked from its brim, whispering faintly against the paper lining. I leaned in, pressing my nose against the crisp ribbed stalk, tasting the earthy green scent of the outdoor market.