Juan Tirado

English 131 Th. 7:00 PM

Professor Olivas
Behind the Curtain
In the attic of our minds, there is a long, narrow hallway decorated with many doors.
They stand across from one another, each placated with a series of numbers guarding mental
wormholes that fabricate the cosmos of our consciousness. There is one solitary door that ends
the hallway, separate from the rest. Neither you nor I know what lies beyond the door, but wed
like to. Many have dedicated their lives to discover its kept secret. Others have succeeded in
finding what lies beyond, but they have never been seen again. I enjoy spending my time sitting
cross-legged in the hallway, looking intently at the door and ruminating about its existence. Mistlaced light emits from its edges, radiating a mysterious aura. In my darkest of days, I have come
very close to opening it, but something always pulls me back. One day, I witnessed someone
open it and go through. I came to visit the hallway and was surprised to see a white rabbit
looking up at me. It turned and began to hop down the narrow path with a flinching interruption
in the rhythm of its walk. Its leg was injured but it treaded on, captivating me while I followed.
We reached the end and ran into my neighbor Rosa, the wizened grandmother figure of my
childhood. She was watering a vase of flowers that was propped against the wall on a small
table. Rosa was wearing an ethereal white gown, flowing with life caused by the warm light
emanating from the door at the end of the hallway. She smelled of that innocent, floral smell, the
kind that reminded me of the luxurious women of my childhood. The flowers she watered were
thriving, the glistening dew reflecting the light of the door. She placed the watering can down
and turned to face me. Her face radiated with a kind smile. There was knowledge and acceptance

in her face. Youre crossing? I asked curiously. Yes, she answered caringly as she brushed
my hair back like she used to when I was young. I looked to the door and back to her. Will you
tell me what its like? I pleaded. Her smile weakened and she brought her hand back down to
the other, meeting them by her chest where they closed. Im afraid I cant. But I can tell you that
one day you, too, will know. The rabbit made a reappearance at her side, sniffing the ends of her
dress. She looked to the face of the classic brown leather watch at her thin wrist. Its almost
time, she let out. As she brought her hands down to her sides, I caught a glimpse of her watchs
own hands telling the time they were each spinning clockwise and counter-clockwise at
different speed intervals as if it were possessed. I looked to her eyes and she gave me a smile as
she walked down the last stretch of the hallway, meeting the door. I watched as she opened the
door to a bright white light. All that there was, was light to no end. She slow turned her head
back to me as her body began to be enveloped by the light. Just before it swallowed her whole,
she winked at me. She was gone and I was left to stare at the surreal white expanse. The door
then slowly creaked shut on its own, separating its secrets from the rest of the world.