On a weekend evening, Evan left his home on his bicycle and rode for twenty minutes from his house in Grandview–Woodland until he reached downtown Vancouver. He securely locked his bike at a post and ring bike rack right next to the tallest building in not just the city, but the whole province—the Living Shangri-La. Standing at an impressive height of 200 metres with 62 storeys, it was a sight to behold.
A little insane? The idea of jumping off a skyscraper this immense seemed more than a little insane. Suki's fascination with comic books had clearly influenced her, but Evan couldn't help but think that such an act would be suicidal. Just looking up at the skyscraper's full height intimidated him. He had only agreed to come along because it gave him the chance to spend time alone with Susanna. Suki claimed it would be similar to bungee jumping, but instead of an elastic cord, she would use her own webs. Still, Evan couldn't shake the feeling that this plan was crazy.
Leaning back against a tree growing out of the sidewalk, Evan waited for Suki to arrive. The whole endeavor felt completely illegal, and he hoped he wouldn't get caught. The thought of being apprehended made him wonder about the consequences. His gaze shifted to the Burberry store occupying the ground floor of the skyscraper. It had closed hours ago, but he found himself staring at the fancy clothes and bags inside, attempting to distract himself with thoughts of looking sophisticated and well-dressed. Anything to calm his nerves.
Suddenly, Evan felt a light tap on his shoulder, snapping him out of his daydreams of donning British trench coats.
"You're early," Suki said, "How long have you been waiting?"
"About ten minutes."
Evan looked at Suki, who was wearing a cozy-looking grey hoodie. He couldn't help but find her utterly adorable in that outfit.
She smiled, "So... are you ready?"
Evan's gaze fixated upon the pinnacle of the skyscraper, where the gentle evening light danced, imbuing the frigid glass with a kaleidoscope of warm hues. He smiled back, "Hell no."
"You don't have to jump if you don't want to."
"Worrying about the height can come later. I'm more concerned about how we're getting up there," Evan pointed to the building's apex.
"Just follow my lead, and act like you belong."
"It's that easy?"
"I've done this many times before on shorter buildings. Now I'm ready for the big one. Come, follow me."
Evan and Suki entered through the revolving doors, where a pair of Chinese guardian lions stood watch beside the hotel's entrance, and they swiftly navigated through the bustling hotel lobby, a cavernous room adorned with lofty ceilings and elegant chandeliers. The expansive space boasted an abundance of plush seating, where Evan's gaze fell upon a group of tourists surrounded by an array of bags and luggage. A grand piano stood as a centrepiece, its polished surface gleaming under the warm glow of the chandeliers. Towering potted plants added a touch of natural grandeur to the opulent surroundings. As they absorbed the lavishness of the five-star hotel, Evan couldn't help but be enveloped by a sense of both intrigue and unease, as if he were trespassing upon a realm to which he did not belong. The clandestine thrill coursed through his veins, quickening his heartbeat.
The two students briskly walked past the concierge, who appeared engrossed in conversation with a fellow employee. Making their way towards the elevator, they exchanged a knowing glance before selecting the top floor. As the doors closed, a group of older adults joined them, each pressing the button for their respective floors. The elevator ascended, stopping intermittently as people embarked and disembarked, their journeys intertwining for fleeting moments. Finally, with a soft chime, the doors slid open, revealing an unfamiliar hallway. Suki, her curiosity piqued, stepped out first, followed closely by Evan, and together they ventured into the uncharted territory that lay before them.
