case · 13 · open; key elsewhere
it has been unlocked for longer than it was ever locked. the shackle hangs at a tired angle. the keyhole, inviting; the key, in a drawer in another room that may or may not still belong to this building.
whatever it was for has either been opened forever or has been taken away. either is true. neither is comforting.
field-note · close the shackle once for the sound; do not close it twice.