TO: THE SECOND FIGURE FROM: THE LANE ITSELF RE: THIS EVENING, ONGOING You are expected. Arrive unhurried. The porch light has been briefed. Trees on either side: noted, cooperative. The gate latch: already lifted. One candle in the window: confirmed lit. The letterbox will not require your name. Please follow the arm. Everything behind you was always the dark that made the corridor possible. Do not reply to this message. Just come through.