Erika Thornton

Repeat

March 1, 2021 I looked at my watch, reached out, and tapped the bell with a shaking hand. I had been in this lobby alone for 15 minutes; not wanting to seem rude, I made sure that at least one-minute passed between ringings. I didn't want anything to jeopardize my acceptance chances. More than once since arriving, I thought this must be a hoax or that they duped me; however, I couldn't bring myself to leave. I stood in the lobby shaking, occasionally crying, and gripping my little black book so hard my knuckles were white. Another minute, another gentle tap on the bell that read, "ring for service."