The elevator in the apartment complex was ancient, its walls graffitied with marker scrawls, the air thick with the metallic staleness of old machinery. Liam pressed the “6” button, his mind fumbling through excuses for skipping dinner with his brother again. The doors creaked shut, and a sharp, high-pitched ding made him wince.
Just before the elevator lurched upward, a child darted in, clutching a bedraggled teddy bear. She couldn’t have been older than seven, her rain-soaked sneakers squeaking against the floor. “Six, please,” she said softly, even though he’d already pushed it. Her wide brown eyes reminded him of someone.
“What’s with the bear?” he asked, nodding toward the toy.
“He’s scared of thunder,” she replied solemnly, holding the bear tighter as if shielding it from unseen danger. Outside, a low rumble rolled through the building.
Liam chuckled despite himself. “You’re braver than him, huh?”
She shrugged. “Sometimes you gotta be.”
The elevator shuddered to a stop, doors opening. She walked out without hesitation, leaving behind an oddly comforting silence. Liam stared at the button panel, then let the doors close without stepping off.
Maybe next time, he’d show up for dinner.
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