FICTION | 500-WORD STORY
Elevator From The Past
The Tormented never forget
I was reading a science fiction novel when the elevator opened. I didn’t even pay attention to the new occupant. The door closed and the elevator began its decent. Suddenly, the elevator jerked and stopped. The lights flickered and went out. Seconds later, the emergency light — a pale, yellow, barely visible light — came on. I looked up from my book and there she stood. My childhood nemesis, Janice.
Janice pushed at the buttons a few times and then swore under her breath. She finally hit the red emergency button.
“May I help you?” a voice asked.
“Yes, dammit. The elevator is stuck. I have places to be.”
I stayed in my corner, hoping she wouldn’t recognize me. It had been ten years since I’d last seen her, but I could tell by her attitude that she hadn’t changed much.
“Our techs are working on the situation, ma’am. Just remain calm.”
Janice turned around and stared me in the eyes. “Calm! How am I to remain calm when I am stuck here?” She glanced down at her cellphone. “Shit! I have to be at a meeting in ten minutes.” She held the phone up. “No reception. Can you get reception?” she asked me.
