Writing Class Assignment - Revisiting Familiar Things

Revisiting Familiar Things

The tan sandstone steps feel warm in the morning sun as I perch with my coffee and notebook. The mature and musky drink awakens my body as I look up at the towering structure ahead of me. I had seen the cathedral many times before, always in passing with proper thought, yet this visit was different. This visit required a lot more attention.

It's easy to miss important details when you aren't looking directly. At eye level, you miss the protruding gargoyles, etched stone angels and gothic spikes within the architecture. Even the majestic windows go unnoticed by many, seen only for their pretty display of colour instead of the stories they depict. I admit that I am guilty of that sin too. Like the many, I ignored the beauty in such historic buildings, but now it is necessary that I observe such things. That I revisit the easily missed secrets that our town has to offer. It holds our heritage, and that is exactly what the professor has asked me to research. To delve deeper into the mysteries around us.

Within my overflowing notebook, I find the fragile page that he gave me. An ancient depiction of secret tunnels supposably located within the area. The cathedral is said to hold the key to the entrance, but as I search around for the slightest hint, I begin to wonder. What if we guessed wrong? Up on the exterior walls, the angelic statues look down, like they are staring in holy judgement. Their eyes wander, pointing to the side of the building. Cautiously, I follow their gaze to a small fountain in the centre of the abandoned courtyard. An odd destination, bound to be full of discoveries.

Swiftly, I bin the half cup of coffee and seek the mystery ahead of me. It feels wrong to trespass in such a place, off limits to the common citizen, but still, I quietly shuffle through the overgrown bushes that guard the entrance, careful with my steps over the loose stone path. It leads me to the fountain, and as the stream of water flows and small birds take joy in the refreshing beverage, I inspect the sculpted base, feeling each groove for something of interest. My fingers brush against it, and suddenly, an indent. I push against it.

Click.

The sounds of mechanisms whirr as a rumble shakes underfoot. I steady my balance and hold onto the fountain for support, unaware at first of the opening that has emerged behind me. Once the movement stops, I see it. A small crevice hidden at the side of the building, with worn slimy stairs that lead underneath. My heart soars with delight at the discovery, eager to continue the investigation, but a murmur of nearby voices halts my advance. I duck back against the weave of bushes, concealing my stature as I wait for the sounds to pass. My breath slows. Concentration on the discussion. The two laugh together, musing over unrelated personal events, and I am filled with relief as they quickly leave the surroundings. Back to my isolation, I find myself free to resume my exploration. I look down at the dark entrance to the tunnel, and with bravery, take my first steps into the unknown.