The Pain You Took Away

Three

I stood sheepishly in front of the building. It seemed small next to its towering neighbours and didn't mirror their architectural design. All of the buildings that resided on this street were tall and had been built out of glass with flowing edges and curves. It was as if this style had been derived from an architect who had an obsession with the female form.

This building however, imitated the ancient Greek style. My eyes darted up the magnificently chiselled stone steps. I imagined that they were smooth and cool to the touch. It made me feel calm. One tiny piece of antiquity that had been allowed to remain and had not been mowed down by modernisation. Beautiful. I walked slowly up the steps onto an open plan porch. Its ceiling was supported by fluted Doric columns. This buildings masculine façade contrasted greatly to its taller counterparts.

The door was dark brown in colour with intricately carved with soldiers that stood in perfect straight lines. The door was and encased in a rectangular archway and was illuminated by yellow spotlights that had been placed strategically in the ceiling's vaults. The light created theatrical shadows in the carvings warning those who entered.

I pushed the heavy door open and entered the foyer which was unexpectedly bright and welcoming. The walls were coated in a soft white paint and decorated with artwork from the impressionist period. A circular desk sat in the middle of the floor area, as I approached it all I could hear was the noise my heels made as they made contact with the marble floor.

"Hi" I muttered whilst trying to force a smile. The receptionist looked up from her screen. I gazed into her eyes. They were icy blue and empty. Her frown lines were deep-set in her forehead. She looked worried.

"I am here to see Kevin."