ekstasis

There were so many options. Where did each lead? Perhaps I would take the small set of steps, or maybe the upside-down flight of stairs; that one looked mysterious. Some looked complicated and challenging, but intriguing; they were possibilities as well. Or should I go with the more traditional staircase...right-side up and average in length. That one appeared to be the safest. It could be a trick, though. Sharp shadows were cast by each corner. Some shadows were light and inviting, while others were dark and dangerous looking. As I turned each corner I was apprehensive of what could be lurking in the sinister shadows.
The walls of each room were painted white and so was the floor. The only noticeable difference was the type of stairs, each popping out at me in its own distinctive way. I went through each room; there were twelve all together. When I finally reached the last room, I said out loud, “the end.” I spotted what I hoped would be the exit and wondered how I had even gotten into this place. I couldn’t remember an entrance.
I made my way towards the doorway, only to find another set of stairs. I was almost certain this was the way to get out, so I took a deep breath and descended the stairway. Luckily, it was short and I quickly found myself outside of the structure I thought I would never escape. I walked around it and backed up to get a view of the entire building. It was the most oddly shaped place I had ever seen. It resembled an outline of a Christmas tree. Each corner was sharp, like the point of a steeple. I circled the entire edifice in search of a way in, but there were no windows, and no doors. I turned to find my way home and marveled at this experience I had that no one would ever believe.

John-Yoon Kin’s Pop-up Stairs