The Lift

 

Every time this elevator is broken, and I have to climb these steps, my body reminds me of just how old I am.  I can’t believe the old woman in 11B has never taken the elevator.  Every week she is climbing these steps, carrying her two bags of groceries.   I’ve heard other people say that she doesn’t trust it.  She is afraid of getting trapped in there.  You’d think she would have gotten a ground floor apartment.

It does break down a lot.  Maybe I should start carrying a candy bar or bottle of water with me, maybe even a flashlight.  That’s crazy.  I’d end up with an entire backpack of stuff, just in case something were to happen to the elevator.  But then again… I’d be ready.  No, that’s silly.  I’ve got my cell phone.  I should try it the next time I’m in there, see if I can get a signal.  Who would I call?  The fire department, I guess.  I should put their number in my phone.

Three more flights to go and I’m there.  I should try my phone in this stairway.  I’d be surprised if I get a signal in here, surrounded by all this cement.  I’ll try it on this next landing.

Nope, no signal.  Well then it certainly isn’t going to work in the elevator.  It sounds like someone else is also climbing.  Maybe I’ll just stand here, catch my breath and let whoever it is pass me.  They sound just as winded as me.  I wonder if it is 11B.  I should have learned her name.  If it is her, I’ll at least help her with her groceries.  What’s her name?  Someone must have said it… I can’t remember.

“Hello.”

“You’re in the fire department?”

“Yes, we’re here working on the elevator.  Apparently, there is someone stuck.  They’ve been pushing the alarm and calling on the emergency phone.  By the sounds of it, they’re claustrophobic or something.  There in a real panic, and complaining about their ice cream melting.”

“That’d be 11B.  Wouldn’t you know, the one time she gets brave enough to take the elevator, it breaks down.”

“We’ll get her out.  Do you happen to know her name?”

“Sorry, I don’t.  But I will by the end of the day.  I’m going to learn everyone’s name who lives in this building.  That’s the first thing I’m putting in my backpack.”