Chasing Maya Through the Endless Coffee‑Spilled Hallway

Chasing Maya Through the Endless Coffee‑Spilled Hallway

I woke up late for work and rushed out of the apartment, only to realize I was wearing a dress I borrowed from my sister instead of my usual slacks. In the hallway of the office building, I saw Maya—my high school crush, now a coworker I barely talk to—standing by the coffee machine, looking exactly like she did in senior year, but with a new tattoo on her wrist. I tried to say hello, but my voice came out as a whisper and the coffee spilled everywhere, soaking the carpet. She smiled, but then the carpet turned into a long, endless hallway that kept stretching past the elevators. I chased after her, my shoes squeaking, but every time I turned a corner I ended up back at the lobby, holding a stack of reports I hadn't prepared. Finally, she stopped, turned to me, and said, "You always forget your keys," then handed me a tiny silver key that felt warm. I woke up just as I was about to grab it, heart pounding, wondering if I should finally ask her out.