I walked up the narrow concrete steps and knocked on the door. Three taps. Firm, normal. The hallway behind me smelled like damp carpet and someone's burned dinner. Rain pattered against the thin windows, wind sliding through the corridor like it was trying to get inside.
I waited.
Then the door creaked open.
Cora stood there in a loose gray T-shirt and black shorts. Not really a "dinner outfit," but knowing her, this was probably the nicest thing she had clean. Her hair was messy, sticking out in uneven tufts. Her cheeks went bright red as soon as she saw me.
"H… hi…" she whispered, stepping aside. "W-welcome."
"Hey," I said as I walked in. "Thanks for inviting me."
The door closed with a soft thump.
Inside… yeah. It was small. Really small.
