Vacancy

I slowly slide the key around the ring, waiting for it to break free of its circular prison.  I can’t help but think of a children’s puzzle that’s extremely easy to complete in an effort to boost a little tike’s sense of accomplishment.  After seconds, the key falls loosely into my hand—my heart drops slightly in my chest.  I drop the keys remaining on the ring into my pocket and instantly notice how much lighter they feel without the heavy key gripped tightly in my hand.  I take a deep breath and let out a sigh as I reach forward and lay the key on the counter.  As I walk towards the door, I notice that I can’t feel my feet touching the ground as I step; I feel weightless, as though I am floating towards the door rather than walking.  The hardware on the door is warm and inviting as I wrap my hand around it and twist the knob.  I don’t want to leave, but before I can react, I’m already outside.  I can hear the faint “swoosh” of the door as it slowly closes behind me.  With my back to the entrance my mind strays, I think about what I have left behind, I think about all the wonderful times I had in that place and I think about what could have been if I would have done something differently.  I can’t stop the door from closing, I dare not try, because I know that there’s no going back.  When that door closes, I will never be able to step across that threshold again—my heart sinks a little more.  The door finally comes to a rest with a “click”.  I turn around and observe that it’s already been welded shut.  I hang my head for a moment, silently saying my goodbyes to that happy time in my life.  As I turn away from the door, my eyes fall upon another door a little farther down the crimson hallway.  I know I haven’t been there yet—and I don’t know when I will be able to muster up the energy or the courage to see where it leads.  It’s too soon…and I have yet to find a key that could potentially turn the bolt and reveal the mystery held within.   I know that I will see what's behind that door someday, it’s inevitable…but not now…not for awhile.