304. The number stuck in his head. She had told him 304.
             Al paced around his apartment, the heat thick in the air. 8:46 p.m.
             He lit a cigarette and smoked it to ease his nerves. His frustration had begun to weigh him down, but he refused to let it take over his sanity. The only thought at this moment was her. What was it? What specifically kept her on his mind? What was the one thing about her that helped him maintain his sanity, or was it driving him further away from it? 'Should I? Shouldn't I?' The question ran over and over in his mind. The moment of indecisiveness was monotonous and endless. Al looked at his clock.
             Al threw on a shirt, grabbed his keys and stepped out into the hallway, locking the door behind him. He took his first step up the stairs. He was a bit shaky. Why? He wondered. Would she remember him? Of course. They had talked before. It was a brief encounter, but she would remember. She told him 304 for a reason.
             Al reached the top of the stairs. The dark red carpet continued down to the end of the hall. He took a few hesitant steps and slowly approached the door down the way. Music and conversation bled through the passing brown doors. Some doors remained open with men playing dominos and women gossiping as they fanned the heat out into the hallway.
             The dull, brass numbers hung from the heavy door. Al pressed his ear to the door, and listened carefully. Soft jazz. Chet Baker perhaps? Any voices? Is she alone?
             One, two, three, rather forceful knocks. The music died down a bit and heavy footsteps approached the door. The dead bolt. The twist of the doorknob. The door flung open and there SHE stood. The young and slender apparition dressed down in a green skirt, a pink knit top, and hair without defines. The wide-eyed youth stood barefoot and somewhat taller as she looked down at all.
             "Come on in," she invited with question behind it. "Excuse the mess. I just haven't had the energy to clean up."
             ...