Elsa was having a bad day. A day like any other, really, but today she wasn’t feeling interested in having a day like any other. She wanted a ‘day’, the kind that creates a day that would forever be a part of Elsa’s memories. The kind with drama, the kind with laughter and screams.

The kind with magic.

But unbeknownst to Elsa, her wish was granted. For deep within an old workshop of a forgotten apprentice, a rusty doorknob was responding to the call of Elsa’s dreams. If any living creature was there, they would have seen a small, copper, and downright ugly doorknob turn into a golden ball and rise from the ground. But as there were no living creatures there, the only thing that saw the magic were the other objects scattered across the workshop, deep in their sleep, waiting for a dream to wake them up.

With a whisk and a swish, the now golden ball exited the workshop and flew toward Elsa. To those with a practiced eye, it would look like a comet racing between cars and over oceans, between planes and skirting tornadoes. Until it reached its destination, ready and waiting, turning back into its old, seemingly regular doorknob.

Meanwhile, Elsa was heading back home, her backpack slung over one shoulder and eyes only on the phone in her hand. But a glare from her left diverted her attention to the door next to her with its copper doorknob. Elsa felt like the doorknob was calling to her, ready to consume her every thought. “Come, open the door”, it seemed to be saying. Perhaps this doorknob felt her desire, to go somewhere else for just one day, anywhere else, do anything else than live the regular life.

Seeing as Elsa wanted something different about this day-and unwilling to not answer the doorknob call- she reached for the doorknob and opened the door. As she closed the door, the doorknob sparkled and shimmered, as if winking to passerby’s.

The first thing that assaulted Elsa’s senses was the smell of fried rice. The second thing was the sound of people talking loudly and very fast, like a shouting match between twenty people that nobody was winning. She opened her eyes and was startled by the scene in front of her. People all around her, cooking and slicing and making. She was in a kitchen, most likely a restaurant.

Well, this was far from the “paradise” she was hoping for, she thought.

She went to turn around and go back to her old life, but just as she was touching the doorknob, she paused. She has always believed that looking a gift horse in the mouth is a nothing more than missed opportunity, and wouldn’t she miss something if she were to leave now? The exit wasn’t going to leave; she can go back whenever she wants. It’s time to experience something different, even if it was a different different than she was expecting.

And besides, she knows how to cook.

Decision made, she reaches for a apron, washes her hands, and nervously goes up to one of the chefs.

“Excuse me?” She asks timidly.

The man turns around and turns back around in a quick 180.

“Good, you’re finally here.” They were expecting her? “Get to work on the Fried Rice and Chicken Teriyaki for table six. Chop, Chop!” He snaps. Startled, Elsa follows his hands and gets to work. As soon as she starts working, and sense of peace touches her soul. Instinctively, she knew just how to make every recipe on the menu, along with other ingredients that could be added to make it special. It was as if she was elsewhere, far from her regular worries and restlessness, and purely in the moment, cooking and cooking until her hands ache.

The time passed quickly, with more orders coming in and more magic sprouting from Elsa’s fingers and onto a plate. Too soon, it was time to go back home, her hours of dizzying peace nothing more than a memory. But it will be a memory that stays with her, of that Elsa was certain.

She opens the door once again, returning to the sidewalk where she left her backpack and phone. She turns to look at the doorknob one more time, gives a smile born of happiness and walks away.

Job well done, the Doorknob gives one last shimmer-wink, and flies back to the forgotten workshop.