First and Second chances
My breathing slowed, my senses dulled, and with each second the world grew a little quieter.
My feet touched cold stone instead of earth. I felt the chill on my skin, the naked vulnerability of being human, as I crouched down by the gallery door. The keys lay in their usual spot, under the flat stone next to the flowerpot. My fingers trembled as I fished them out, the cold metal sharp against my skin. I slid the key into the lock, heard the soft click, and pushed the door open. I sprinted up the stairs to the right floor. I prayed to the Moon Goddess we wouldn’t meet any neighbours. Once at my front door, I had to catch my breath. I slid the key into the lock with a shaking hand.