Chapter Text
The steps to my apartment complex seemed so peaceful at this time of night. It was tranquil. I was able to just sit and exist. Away from all of my stress. Just enjoying the warm glow of the street lights on the pavement below, highlighting spots and making the recent snowfall glisten as though precious gems had littered the floor. Physically worthless, but mentally stunning. A picture the mind would hold on to. Resort to when needed. A calming embrace for the mind.
Goosebumps had risen on my arms and I took this as a sign of the dramatic change in temperature as I had been lost in my thoughts. Pulling the sleeves of my jumper further down my arms, I attempted to conserve as much heat as possible and I felt my teeth softly clatter as they chattered very slightly. Thoughts had been flooding my mind all day but now I was concerned with whether it was time to head inside to my apartment. It was getting late.
My mind was pulled from pondering into recent events by a man suddenly appearing at the bottom of the steps. I felt myself jump slightly and I looked up to his face as he began to grace the steps. I’d seen him maybe once or twice before but we’d never actually spoken since I’d moved into the building 2 months ago. He had an upbeat bounce to his steps as he made his way to the door. A smile graced his lips and he nodded in acknowledgement at me, and I back.
“Bit late to be contemplating the world on a stairwell isn’t it?”
A laugh began in my chest but fell out of my mouth as rather more like an amused murmur.
“Never too late for that for me, I’m afraid.”
My statement left a slightly sad tone hanging in the air and I wondered if he could feel it so I shot him a smile to reassure.
“Then I’m sure we’ll meet here again. I’m Scott.” He held out his hand to me and I shook it, hoping my hands weren’t so cold that he may have suspected me of being an animated corpse and running away.
“I’m Jude.” I replied to him.
“Well, Jude, it’s getting late and I’m getting cold so I’m going to my apartment. You done contemplating?”
“It has just started to rain.” I stood up and watched him push the door open, stepping aside and allowing me to enter before him. Thanking him, I stepped out of the cold, feeling the change in temperature immediately, the goosebumps slowly melting back into my skin.
“What floor?” I asked him as we both walked towards the lift and I pressed the button, the highlighted ring flickering slightly.
“Oh, floor 3.” A ding resonated as he finished his answer, signifying that the lift had arrived, the doors slowly prising open, filling me with a little bit of fear every time I stepped through them in case that slow opening got slower… and slower… and slower… until it failed to open all together.
A heavy sigh being pushed out of my throat, I stepped in and proceeded to press buttons 3 and 4.
We stood in silence as we began to move. But it wasn’t uncomfortable. And the journey didn’t last too long. Scott’s destination soon arrived. The doors creaked this time. This did not fill me with confidence.
His smile seemed genuine as he went to exit, pausing to stick his hand out to me.
Shaking his hand, I smiled back.
“Well I’m sure this won’t be our only meeting, Jude. That stairwell waits for no man. Until then, I bid you adieu. Have a nice night.”
“You too, Scott.”
I watched him walk away as the doors shut again. I felt the heave of it moving upwards and began to think about the rest of my night. Fortunately, my apartment is second closest to the lift so I hadn’t far to journey, and upon arriving, I ambled to my door, unlocked it, and stepped inside.
My shoes were quickly abandoned by the mat and I collapsed onto my sofa, sinking too far down. Getting up would be a feat.
Shutting my eyes, I began to ponder on that day's events, and about my day tomorrow, the foruth day at my new job. Exciting times. Changes that were just the right speed for my comfort. I felt able. For now.