A Prelude

Walking in was a bit odd, for the first time there was another door. The room at the moment was a delightful smelling fire with two chairs. It looked like the office from my first visit but without the desk. The fireplace was out of stone slabs for the ground and areas containing the fire. The rest however was a grand wood mantle. There was an empty portrait above the fire. The frame was exquisite but in the center was just a pitch black canvas. Sitting in one of the chairs was Lily, in a very comfortable robe. Almost sinking into the seat she looked nearly asleep. There was a side table next to her chair that had a drink on it. Next to the door was a coat rack with another robe on it similar to hers.

Taking the cue I suppose I took the robe and slid it on. Taking my shoes off, because I’m not a savage, I made my way to the opposite chair. I very quickly realized how Lily was able to fall asleep in the chair. I shouldn’t have expected less from this place. But once I had gotten into just the right space.

“I swear if we end up doing another meeting before getting into it.” Lily began to lift herself up a bit at this point. “I’m going to start getting a psychology degree.” She had reached over to her glass and took a sip. “So what is it today my child?”

“Well, you remember the friend I have. The one who told me about this place. She heard it from a sibling or something.”

“Mhm you had a crush on her. Has there been some action on that as of late?”

“Nothing serious, just a breakfast and hang out at a park.”

“Well that’s something, congrats.” Lily raised her glass and took another sip.

“What are you drinking?”

“Orange juice. Do you have a second date or something?”

“Ya, we’re seeing a movie this weekend.”

“Delightful! You are well on your way to a real world relationship.”

“Well, maybe. But that’s not why I ask. I feel bad having this key, and this thing she wants to believe in. And hiding it from her.”

“You want to share this with her? Well it can be done, easily. How are you gonna break it to her?”

“I’m not sure… I was wondering if you could offer some advice.” Standing at this point she tightened her robe and started walking over to the door. She was barefoot, not a sound as she stepped over.

“I'll tell you what.” Opening the door it was pitch black. “My two cents comes after we get our business done. Now take that robe off and walk through this.” Smirking, I made my way over and took the robe off. Throwing it over the chair I realized I was now naked. Just before stepping up to the door. I looked her in the eyes.

“Orange Juice?”

“Even I can have a hangover sweetie. Now get in there.” She tilted her head over towards the door.