Grand Opening!

 

Grand Opening!  For a day, then a few weeks, then a few months, and now at least a year or two.  I remember first seeing it at the end of the hall in this building where I drop in every two weeks or so for a pickup at the pharmacy across from the ophthalmology office.  

I’m not sure how long the banner was there before I noticed it and became curious enough to walk down the hall to check it out.  To the right of the banner is a glass storefront with a glass door.  On the other side of that glass is an eatery that’s been painted and decorated with bright colors to include two carved parrots on the far wall nearest the street.  There are tables on the left side, a long counter on the right, and stacked chairs near the entrance.  I’m not exactly sure what theme they were going for but the only thing missing is the food and drinks.

Years have passed (or so it seems) and everything remains unchanged - frozen, as it were, in the run up to it opening without it ever opening.  This oddly abandoned place at the end of the long hallway is reminiscent of a liminal space where time has been arrested and human activity has failed to take hold.  It has been forgotten.  The banner is fading but still draws my eye at times and makes me think refreshment is available there, if only for a brief moment.

***