PERSONAL ESSAY
The Discomfort Began with the Turn of a Key Which Unlocked These Questions
A repairman and the turn of a key would remind me that we don’t always have to accept living under difficult circumstances
Six months ago, I temporarily moved from a house to an apartment which I knew would require some adjustments. Less space. Less privacy. On the upside, there is so much less cleaning. And no yard work!
However, it’s been the little things that I didn’t anticipate which recently bring me to quiet reflection.
The unwelcoming front door
My front door refused to open with ease from the get-go. I devised a special maneuver. Take a deep breath, jiggle the key in, and with a ton of patience, the key will open the door!
The easier option was to place any belongings on the floor, release any tension in my shoulders (kidding), and pull and hold in the door handle with my left hand as I jiggled and turned with the right.
One afternoon I rushed out to leave a little earlier than the norm to meet students during office hours. As I turned around to lock my apartment door, the key had trouble penetrating the keyhole.
