Stand Your Ground [10.7.08]

The 'muter life is one of constant metamorphosis; one day could be spent studying in the library, while the next could be spent eating dinner at home with the family. However, to most 'muters, evenings prove to be the only constant. Since my home allows me to be an exception to the rules, I find that my evenings are as flexible as my days. One could be spent watching a Star Wars marathon in the lounge, while another could be spent doing homework in one of the many dorms. Nowadays, I find that one of my favorite spots is Silver Hall, simply because some of my best friends live there. Once I get through all of my classes, I simply call her to let me in. Sometimes I get lucky, and others happen to be going out when I am trying to get in, so they politely hold the door open while I oblige their offer. Today was the latter, and I headed to the staircase. Once in the stairwell, I glided up one flight and prepared myself to do the same thing with the next. However, I was forced to freeze as I simply looked at a couple trying to go down the flight. I understand that this seems like an over-emphasized problem, because many encounters consist of both parties forming single-file lines and heading their separate ways. Tonight was a completely different story, for tonight, the couple silently refused to cease their hand-holding, and boldly started down the stairs as I was walking up. Of course, when we connected eyes, I courteously offered them a smile, as if nothing was wrong. Maybe, just maybe, they were unaware of the rules and regulations of proper stairwell conduct. However, my mind couldn't resist tracing this awkward debacle to that quote from a western. This staircase is not big enough for the three of us, I thought. And I was right - it wasn't. Mid-way through the flight, I had to pause my travels just so both of them could successfully continue on their way. If that's not ridiculous, I don't know what is.