Hazzl stood by the closed door, two badges stuck over her eyes. A small tag on the frame read 'Do Not Remove.' Her foot tapped a restless rhythm on the floor. Tap. Tap. Tap.
The door opened. Soft footsteps crossed the wood floor. A tall man stepped inside. 'Can you take off the badges?' he asked gently.
Hazzl reached up and tugged at one edge. It did not move. She pulled harder. Still nothing. She let out a small frustrated sound and tried the other badge.
She pulled at the second badge until her fingers ached. Then — rip. It came free. She blinked at the sudden light and saw his face. His kind, patient smile.
Hazzl peeled the last badge off. She dropped both into her palm and looked straight at the man. Nothing between them now.
His smile widened. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small key. 'This is for you,' he said. He held it out, palm open.
Hazzl took the key. She closed her fingers around it, feeling the smooth edges. It was real. She nodded.
She nodded, and the man nodded back. Together they turned toward the door. Hazzl walked beside him, the key safe in her pocket.