Narrow Stairs

Tight, steep stairs rise from Harlan's bedroom to his office in the dead of night. Harlan hauls his frail body up each creaking step, breath ragged from exhaustion after his 85th birthday party. Marta trails behind, exasperated pleas echoing off the confining walls as she grabs a medical kit. The labored ascent captures Harlan's iron will clashing against his weakening frame, the dim light and close quarters amplifying the tension of his refusal to rest.