the abandoned theatre part 16

Nothing changes. I remain here. I am in the "Now." and yet I am not. The cabinets are still as volumous as ever and the opened folders lie unkempt upon the floor. Where was the thing I needed most?

There is no sign of the Woman. I close the folder and decide this room of endless dreams and memories has served its purpose. My hands open the door for me and I venture back into the darkened hallway. Before the door shuts I hear footsteps from the other side.

"Hello?"

The question bounces into the hallway. More footsteps. They are coming.

I step to the left as the Woman of Optimism walks into the dark hallway, just missing me. The door shuts firmly behind her and disappears into the wall. There is silence. Her face is illuminated by the lanterns. This time her eyes are clearly visible. I feel them examining me.

I turn my head to the right and our eyes meet. I suddenly realize this is not the Woman of Optimism... this is... this is...