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Spears of rain darted down, piercing his hands and face like a thousand needles. In his arms, he carried a heavy load. Not far to go, the door was in sight. He fumbled for his keys, but his numb fingers let them fall at his feet. His precious load was becoming heavier by the second but he daredn’t let it slip from his grasp. Scooping the keys from the ground took all the effort he could muster. He pressed one into the lock, twisted it, and the door swung open.
He stumbled into the pitch-black entrance, felt for the light switch then started to climb the steep staircase to his apartment. One slow step at a time, each of them more difficult than the last. Ten steps to go, nine, eight …… then the timed light went out. Total darkness. He swore out loud as he tripped then swiftly grabbed the handrail. His arms were giving way, but he wasn’t giving up, not as he was so close.
He reached the summit and stabbed the light switch. He knelt, resting his load on his knee and once again searched for his keys. With all his might he rose to his feet, placed one in the lock and flung open the door. He triumphantly carried his cherished cargo across the threshold, lowered it to the floor then lay down alongside, totally exhausted but elated.
“Thank you for becoming my wife today,” he said, “but that’s the last time I carry you anywhere!”.
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Word count 250
Thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E.Ayr for hosting The Unicorn Challenge
*I chose to go with the word on the building and stick to locks and keys!
© Ayr/Gray