4

As Tuesday came, Monday’s couple rung the elevator bell. Awaiting the same soft thrill as before, they stood in a buzzing silence. The elevator floor appeared to the couple at the top of the dugout and continued to fall. Our liftman was tucked into the right hand of the elevator, operating the swivel.

So as not to seem eager, the couple entered as normal. As soon as the lady had drawn breath to speak she had it taken from her when seeing the weeklong liftman. Her excitement was openly put on hold. If only the liftman had paid attention, he could have been offended. The couple shared a silent look. Perhaps if Monday’s liftman was representative of all of the staff then today’s lift ride would be something too, they both thought in their own ways.

“Up to the third, thank you.”

Silence but the oiled turning of the swivel met her words. She watched as the slightly darkened and calloused finger made a movement to the right.

“I’m sorry but that hat cannot be comfortable”

Her prompt was paired with a playful smile and turn to her partner. Beckoning for a response to a subject she knew, from before, was fruitful.

Silence once again rang true. Her words had fallen flat. It wasn’t offense she felt just yet but confusion. She took another look at her partner to check whether she or the liftman has misstepped.

Resigned to defeat, our pleasant lady struck her gaze forward for the rest of their journey besides one further confirmatory look. The elevator met with the fifth floor dugout, the swivel restored to centre, and the fence cinched open.

“Okay, well, thank you for this”

Her words once again fell flat. This time air was blown into a small ember of indignation inside her. If he didn’t wish to engage in conversation then sure, that was the case for some people, but to snub pleasantries was something altogether different.

They did not exit with their moods lifted.

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