This morning I happily walked out the door on my way to church. On the stairs I realized I didn't have my keys, but I was late and I justified "I can buzz the intercom when I get back. This is the only time it's ever happened. It'll all be fine." and my worries were pushed aside when I met my parents at the door as I was leaving and they were returning. "See?" I reasoned- "They're here now and they'll let you in. Todo bien." I also had a quick "hello how's it goin" with the girl who seems about 16 and lives in the apartment below mine on our way out (she becomes important later) and with that, I didn't give it another thought. The church service was great- my last. I felt overcome when we got up to quickly thank them and sang the doxology for them. Saying goodbye to all these wonderful people who are part of the body of Christ in Spain when it's so spiritually dead. Afterwards, on my way home we stopped and looked at the market that's out this weekend where the proceeds go to the cure of cancer. The artisans showing their products were amazing. I frequently commented "my mom would LOVE this!" or "I wish I had 20 more suitcases". Anyways, so we said goodbye and I started on my way back to my house. The sun is shining, and it's a 55 degree day where I don't even need my coat (the thought of going back to the negatives makes me cringe) and when I reached my door, I crossed my fingers and rang the intercom. A moment passed. No one answered. They always answer! I'll give it a minute and push it again, I thought. So I ended up pushing the stupid button 3 times each time waiting longer in-between. Then I had to accept the reality that no one is inside. I'd been with my intercambio friend earlier in the week when she'd forgotten her keys and had rang a neighbor's intercom. This was slightly more intimidating because 1. I don't speak Spanish 2. Intercoms aren't the clearest of communication devices 3. How are they going to react? Will they be mad? Will they think i'm an intruder??? and then after waiting some more and deciding that quicker was better, I got it over with. I'd kind of "made friends" with this girl as we'd passed each other occasionally on our way in and out so I chose her family to pester. I buzzed the button and waited.... "hola?" came a voice. "umm.... hello i'm sorry i forgot my keys will you let me in?" I said desperately. "who is it?" "uh... a neighbor". "oh. ok." and the door buzzed to open. Gladly I pushed against it only to find that it still wouldn't open. Shoot man. Ok. suck it up and ask again. I buzzed the button- "hello?" "uh...hi. sorry. it doesn't work." and after that awkward exchange, I entered and climbed the stairs as fast as I could in hopes that he wouldn't open the door and try to see the idiot that forgot her keys. Once I reached the top, I remembered. What did I think I was going to do once I got to my door? I didn't have my keys. Duh. So after staring in denial at the door, I opted to sit and wait. Time goes so slow in situations like that. I searched my purse for something to do, I counted my change, I thought about all the things I should be doing if only I could get in.... then after an impatient eternity, I finally heard someone and collected myself together in anticipation. When they rounded the corner it was the girl and her mom. I shamefacedly explained I was waiting cause I forgot my key. Then the mom said some fantastic words. "I have a key". What?! "you do?" I asked pensively- not wanting to get my hopes up only to be crushed. "yeah. here you go!" and she gave me the key after thanking her dramatically, I got in. and now, because this is such a typical awkward Erin tale, I thought I'd recount it for your enjoyment. The end. (still wondering where in the world my parents are though...)
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