Seven
There are statues on either side of the entrance when I arrive, two tall, black, penguin-like figures I don't remember ever seeing before. Their smooth, matte surface looks soft and makes me think of salty licorice. Is it possible to cast a statue from licorice? I approach one, cautiously, but the closer I get, the more it turns away from me.
Unexpectedly, the massive doors, made of crenelated egg shells and polished limestone, swing open to reveal the butler, clad in corduroy and crimson pine clogs. “Please don't fraternize with the staff ''. His voice is boomy and sullen, tinged with exasperation. “You are expected – follow me”.
I try to move lightly on these marble floors, so heavy and polished I feel like an intruder setting foot on them. The butler is behind me, large and unforgiving, not letting me stop or even slow down. After the first flight of stairs, we arrive at the elevator hall. “12 elevators to reach the 36th floor, 3 stopping at odd floors and 3 at even. 3 to take you 18 floors and 3 to take you 18 more. Can you do the math, boy?”
I can’t and the butler knows it. He graces me with one look under raised eyebrows, then leaves, dignity intact. For a while I can hear his steps receding into the distance, then everything goes quiet. I walk up to one of the elevators. Door of anodized aluminum with zircon inlays, call button no doubt made from the tusk of some endangered mammal.
This place makes me nervous. If I am expected, then by who? And why make it difficult for me to reach the person that is expecting me? I summon the elevator, and immediately regret it: my action wakes up heavy machinery somewhere above me, and the noise seems almost offensive in this serene place.
As the elevator announces its arrival with a loud DING, everything again goes silent. The doors open, slowly, slowly, like a maw on an unsuspecting prey.