The apartment was small, old and a incredibly awkward shape. Tessa loved it. She stood staring in the front doorway beside the building superintendent, who was a small woman with tidy brown hair and an overall air of competence and efficiency.
"It's perfect, Ms. Branwell," Tessa said, her face lit with excitement.
The small woman was pleased by Tessa's enthusiasm.
"I'm glad you like it, and please, call me Charlotte." Charlotte closed the apartment door and started down the carpeted hallway to the terrifying elevator. This was the building's only catch, as far as Tessa was concerned. The elevator looked like it was older than could possibly be safe, and had the unfortunate habit of jolting its passengers every time it started or stopped. Tessa preferred the stairs.
"You can sign the paperwork before you go, and we'll get you set up with everything you'll need," Charlotte continued, glancing behind her to make sure Tessa was still following as they stepped into the dreaded elevator. Tessa gripped the brass bar until her knuckles turned white and tried to think happy thoughts.
"You'll find all sorts in this building. We have students, retirees, teachers, engineers, muscisians, fashion designers," Charlotte rattled off amiably. "We have monthly movie nights in the courtyard. This month's movie is the one about those magicians who rob a bank. It's happening next Saturday. You said you were looking to move in Tuesday?"
Tessa nodded mutely.
"Good. You'll be in and settled in plenty of time. It's a great way to meet others in the building."
The two women stepped out of the elevator. Charlotte turned to her and extended her hand, which Tessa shook.
"I hope you'll be very happy here, Ms Gray. Welcome to The Institute."
Tessa collapsed on the couch, strands of hair escaping from her bun after the long day. Moving in became far more difficult when one refused to use the elevator. With all of her belongings together in the small rooms, she was content with her new home. It had character; even the building itself had been transformed from an old school.
She lay there unmoving for a while, but eventually her excitement dragged her to her feet. She got up and went to the window.
The old, rickety window frame held a pane of thick glass that overlooked the courtyard. The building was square, with four halls that surrounded the brick courtyard decorated with gardens. Tessa stood at the window, mindlessly poking strands of hair back into their rightful place. The windows of several apartments on all sides looked out over the courtyard. From where she was, Tessa could see into the living rooms and bedrooms opposite. She made a mental note to buy curtains first thing the next day.
She fiddled with the latch on the window, which screeched as she shoved it open.
Okay; Curtains and WD-40, she thought.
The spring air was cool and leaned against the sill, enjoying the breeze. Finally, she padded across the wooden floor and breathed a sigh of relief as she sank back into the couch. She closed her eyes and considered ordering pizza.
Maybe later, she thought as she began to drift off. It had been a long day, and she was far too comfortable to go rummaging for a phone even for the gooey delights of pizza. She was almost asleep when she heard the music.
It was beautiful; a sweet, soft kind of melody coaxed from a violin. Tessa didn't open her eyes. She buried her cheek deeper into the billow and faded into sleep.