its not that the house was old, it was just worn down. the paint was peeling and the roof was caving in.
it still stood.
and although it wasnt very nice looking, i still liked it.
at first, i didnt go inside. i didnt even try.
i enjoyed just standing, looking at it.
but after a while, that wasnt enough. i tried the door, and every window.
they were all locked.
so i continued standing and looking, but i kept trying.
everyday.
and one day, it wasnt locked. i got inside.
it still stood.
a small room, with an old tv, a chair, and a rope.
a door down the hall, one on the left, one on the right.
i didnt try to open them.
i was content with the small room.
so i stayed in the small room. i sat in the chair, and i looked.
i enjoyed the house, and i enjoyed the room.
it still stood.
but i became curious.
the door on the left was locked.
the door on the right was not.
inside was a tie, a cup, and a record.
and so i was content with the room on the right. i stayed in the house, i sat in the chair, i held the cup, and i was content.
it still stood.
but the contents of the room on the left were still unknown by me.
so i tried to open the door.
it was locked.
the house continued falling apart. the paint peeled and the roof caved and the floor boards creaked.
it still stood.
i tried the left door all the time. it
remained locked.
i was ready to give up when i tried one more time. it opened.
there was a record player and a box of matches.
i saw no use for the matches, but the record player captured my attention.
i was content with the three rooms.
so i sat in the chair, i held the cup, and i listened to the record.
it still stood.
but after a while, it wasnt enough.
i became tired of the house.
i became tired of the peeling paint, the creaky floor boards, the record player, the three small rooms.
it still stood.
so i left the house, and i stood outside, like i used to.
i stared at the house.
it still stood.
i lit a match.
it still stood.
i threw the match.
i watched the house burn with no emotion.
i felt no sorrow.
but it still stood.
i came back, months later.
i missed the three rooms.
but i couldnt get in anymore.
it had locked me out.
but it still stood.
it still stands.
with or without me.
