Theo moved closer, boots silent against the tiles. There, beneath the edge of the vending machine, a seam. Vertical, faint. A doorframe.
His gaze sharpened. Someone had tried to cover it, on purpose.
Theo crouched and brushed his hand along the edge, then pushed lightly. No give. He pressed his ear to the surface. Silent.
He knocked once. "Is anyone inside?" he said, voice low and calm. "It's alright. The danger's gone. You're safe now."
No response. He waited, then tried again. Still nothing.
Theo straightened, took a half-step back, and planted his shoulder firmly into the side.
CRACK!
The door budged, resisted, then broke loose as the jammed items behind it gave way with a loud snap.
It flew open-
SWOOSH!
A mop came flying straight at his face.
