The steel box rose with a smooth pull that vibrated up through the floor plates.

The car stopped on the third floor at ten-forty at night.

The hallway was quiet, lit by small wall fixtures shaped like yellow clouds.

My mother walked out onto the green runner carpet that lined the center of the corridor.

At the far end of the hall, the sliding glass doors of the intensive care unit stood closed.

Nurse Elena stood near the outer security glass, checking a printed list on her clipboard.

My mother walked straight toward the sliding doors.