It was the final flight of stairs before you got to the THE PASSAGE that took so much out of you.
You had that sense of dread about you. You began to get a feel for what it must have been like for the condemned man.
But the instructions were very clear, up the stairs and down the passage to the right.
I clutched under my arm all the defenses I thought I’d need. It was just a formality I was told, as if this was anything but a formality.
Summoned to give my version of events before the Supreme Council was a bit much for a man who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. How could a Monday morning go so wrong so fast?
Reaching the top of the stairs my stomach rolled over I am sure, the nerves and jitters started, my chest tingled and my feet for some strange reason were refusing to turn right. Forcing myself I approached the reception at the end of the passage. An attractive young lady with a large name tag saying Amanda greeted me, took my name, pressed a few buttons and asked me to take a seat.
I became aware that everything in this place was vast. The stairway, the passage and now the waiting room.
None of this aided my nerves, the wait seemed interminable.
A door in the distance opened and a man appeared, called my name and beckoned me enter.
The interview took an hour. Two aged men and an equally aged woman sat and listened, asked questions, nodded and said they understood.
I was told to leave by the door to the left.
On the other side was a narrow passageway, then another door and going through it I found myself in the street. Nothing awe inspiring about the exit. I guess the entry was to intimidate those who came via the vast staircase, the passage and the waiting room. It worked on me. The Panel’s ominous final words, “We’ll be in touch.” echoed in my mind.
Written for: https://scvincent.com/2016/11/17/thursday-photo-prompt-passage-writephoto/
Morpethroad 
Wonderful building of tension — what naughty thing did you do, Michael, and what did you bring in your defense. Come on. This time tell all. Let us know when “they” get in touch.
Fun to read — great response. A smiler to be sure : ] :
A change from Kleenex eh
Much easier on the eyes and nose. Unless I laugh til I cry!
Still waiting for the naughty details of why you were summoned — dare you leave that to my imagination?
But of course 😊
The wheels are turning . . .
Anticipation is greater than realization?
Yes sometimes very much so.
Definitely, going through that passage would strike fear and trepidation in the minds and hearts of those who have to go through it. Probably meant to really scare you if you’ve done something wrong. Luckily your main character was okay and was able return to the everyday street. Great tension and I wonder what staying in touch will mean.
Ahh yes I thought the same Mandi…thanks for reading…I think there may be more to his connection with whatever the issue is and therefore he may be called back at a later stage…
You always do mystery and intrigue well Michael 🙂 I love that picture! You could write just about anything.
Yes the other responses are interesting as well..thanks for stopping by Lyn, hope you are doing well this evening
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