The streets are dark and the rain pelts me insistently. I walk through the darkness with my head down not making eye contact with any of the bums or prostitutes that roam my neighborhood. My mind is set on one track; an address running over and over in my head. For miles I walk until I see the building finally loom before me. It’s a ritzier apartment building than most; one that requires an access code to get through. My friend hadn’t informed me of this obstacle.
I puzzle over it for a second and study the huge building. Surely there is another entrance other than for tenants. I wander around the parking lot until I find a door marked “Employees Only” that also demands an access code. Above the door though, a large window shows another opportunity. Normally I am hesitant to literally “break” in due to all the high-tech alarms they have these days. Then again I should have known it wasn’t going to be as easy as just waltzing in and getting the job done.
I pull my hoody tighter over my head and bring my fist back for the blow. Now I hesitate, deciding where the best place to hit it would be. Although the whole act of breaking glass pretty much describes itself as being dangerous, I want to avoid pain as much as possible. My knuckles finally land at the top of the window and the glass breaks easily. I listen intently for an alarm, and then make my way inside.
The hallway was brightly lit and I hear laughter coming from a nearby staircase. I hurry to take off my gloves and black hoody and toss them in the trash just as a couple appears in front of me. I throw on a wonderful smile and glide by wishing them a good night. Just before I disappear up the stairs I hear them comment on what a good “neighbor” they have. I can’t help but smirk.
I take the steps two at a time till I reach the fifth floor then lean against the rail. I close my eyes and listen to the thumping of my heart. Its rhythmic at first; soothing my nerves. Then the adrenaline starts to flow through my blood. Everything has been leading up to this moment. I chuckle a little to myself then enter the long hallway.
