An Elevated Encounter

Sam had been looking forward to this date all week. He’d seen Tricia from afar at many business gatherings and social events. He just couldn’t seem to find the right moment or the right words to break the ice and seal the deal. Instead he’d spent a lot of time learning things about her. As he knew more, his confidence grew. And finally the opportunity presented and he’d asked her out. And she said yes. His heart was soaring from that moment. It was a week of planning the perfect date. He already knew her favorite band, her favorite flower, her preferred wine. He tried on every piece of clothing to select the perfect outfit that sent the right message. He wanted confident, successful, fun and easy going.

He arrived at her apartment on time. He noted that she was willing to let him pick her up as opposed to meet him somewhere. A good sign. He pressed the intercom and a loud buzz granting him permission to enter resounded. The elevator had just arrived and he rushed to catch it before the doors closed. “10 please” he said to the woman standing next to the button panel. She was the only other person in the elevator. The doors closed and up they went….. until they didn’t.

The elevator stopped abruptly almost knocking both of the passengers off their feet. “Oh no” she said. She was a resident. Her quick response to ring the call button urgently suggested this was not a first time. “Please Please Please still be here” she said. Sam inquired “what do you mean?”. It was Saturday night. No one who was anyone stayed around passed 7pm. She rang again. Sam pulled out his cell phone and tried to call…no signal. He tried to text….”failed delivery”. “Well that really sucks” he muttered.

“Hello? Can anyone hear us??? The elevator is stuck. Call the fire Department””….. For a good half hour the two listened and when they thought they heard something they called out. Their pleas were met with silence. “Best get comfortable. It’s going to be awhile” She said and sat herself down. Sam followed suit. Careful as he didn’t want to sully is clothing just in case his date could still be salvaged.

Now was the first time he actually saw his fellow elevator captive. She was lovely, understated, casual. It struck him that she was calm. He had never been stuck in an elevator before but every film he’d ever seen had people melting down right away. “Does this happen often?” he asked. “It’s happened a few times. I was caught once before. But it was a weekday so people were around”. He let her comment sink in. Just his luck. “I’m Sam”. “Jennifer” she responded. “Maybe your date will call the fire department.” He was lifted from despair. Of course. She had to realize something happened. Tricia had buzzed him in.

So while they waited they talked. Jennifer was easy going and funny. She had a warmth about her. He was charming and intelligent. For a short time they forgot they were trapped and just enjoyed the conversation learning about one another. The half an hour turned into three hours. “It doesn’t feel like anyone is coming.“ she said. Sam looked up. “Do you think we could climb up?” She laughed. “Are you serious?” “We could be here all night. Or.. we could try to get ourselves out.” Her expression as she stood said, challenge accepted.

They agreed to breach the elevator ceiling and see if it was plausible. After a few clumsy starts, Sam was able to hoist Jennifer up on his shoulders. She pushed open the ceiling panel. She called back down…”there is a ladder”. They agreed to climb and see if they could pry the elevator door that was just above, open. Jennifer pulled herself completely onto the roof of the elevator. Sam tied his coat packed with his “date accoutrement” into a bundle and passed it up. “How do we get you up here?”. After several failed attempts. Jennifer came back down. Together they decided she would be able to support Sam enough to allow him to grab hold of the edge of the elevator ceiling opening, and pull himself up. He could then reach back down and pull her up. It was easier said than done. Sam was very concerned about hurting Jennifer in the process. She insisted. So he persisted. Mission accomplished. They both made it on top of the elevator.

Unlike most films, the elevator shaft was dark and it was hard to see. Sam used his phone flashlight to get some light. The two climbed. The more they climbed the less light there was from the elevator itself. Because of the lack of light, they passed the first set of doors. They decided to keep going rather than climb back down. At the second set it became clear that it wasn’t going to be so simple. There was nothing to pry the elevator doors. And there was no solid ground from which to assert maximum force. The doors certainly weren’t obliging with an easy slide open from moderate force. They called out again as they had in the elevator to see if there was anyone who might hear them and help. No one. As they held on in the darkness deciding the next course of action, there was a loud bang from the elevator. “Is it moving?” She said concerned. “I can’t tell.” He said. “But if it comes up here, that’s a problem”. Jennifer started climbing again. “We’d better get to the top”

At the top by some miracle, there were tools. They were able to pry and prop the roof access door open and out on the roof they went. Free. Jennifer moved quickly toward the stair doors. LOCKED. None of her keys worked. Most people leave the door propped open when they go out on the roof. Sam had received text messages that were finally coming through. His “date” was not happy. She assumed he had stood her up. As Jennifer came back with the news of the door she saw the phone. “Is it working? Can you call someone?” He quickly turned off the phone “Battery Died”.

Jennifer moved to the edge of the roof and glanced at the beautiful lights of the city. His eyes followed her. He noticed that others before had enjoyed the beauty of the night from this roof. There were even unused plastic wine glasses left behind. He grabbed his “coat satchel” and opened it. He took out the bottle of Merlot that had been carrying and protecting throughout the adventure. With his trusty knife - multi tool he opened the bottle and walked over to Jennifer to share it with her. He poured her a glass of Merlot. He watched as her lips welcomed the wine. “mmmm perfect”. Noticing she was chilled from the night air, he placed his coat over her shoulders. As they shared the wine and watched the city, he felt something had changed. An intimacy had snuck in. Music from somewhere could be heard - Eagles “Easy Peaceful Feeling”. Sam took the bottle and her glass and gingerly placed them on the ledge. He turned Jennifer to him, bringing her closer and started to move to the music. She smiled. “Best first date ever” He said.