Valerie was on her way to work when she suddenly realised shed forgotten her mobile at home. She decided to turn back, went into the lift, and it broke down on the eighth floor! Stuck inside, Valerie sat and waited, hoping someone would come soon to get her out. As she waited, she recognised the voice of her husband, Gregory, echoing in the corridor.
He wasnt alonehe was talking to a woman named Charlotte.
My darling Charlotte, Gregory spoke softly. I cant wait to be with you again.
Well see each other tonight, replied Charlotte. Ill be waiting for you after ten.
Will your husband be out on night shift again?
Hes working nights all week, Charlotte answered warmly. He leaves at half past nine and doesnt come home until morning. Actually, hell be back soon, so well need to hurry.
Why is the lift taking so long? Gregory muttered anxiously.
They stood chatting just outside the lift for a few minutes before realising it was broken and then headed down the stairs. Throughout their conversation, Gregory expressed how much he cherished the moments they spent together. At first, Valerie thought she might be mistaken; after all, many people used the corridor. But when Charlotte mentioned Gregory by name, and then Valeries own name came up, she felt her world collapse. Gregory was cheating on her with the neighbour from flat forty.
Valerie could hardly believe her ears.
So thats how it is! she thought, her heart pounding. Charlotte lives right here on the eighth floor. No wonder hes always nipping out for fresh air in the evenings. Now I know exactly where hes been going. Well, lets see how he enjoys his stroll tonighthe wont ever forget it
Soon, the maintenance crew arrived and pried open the lift. By then, Valerie already had a plan.
That evening, just before ten, Gregory did as he always did and made to leave for his evening walk.
Val, Gregory called, Ill be out for an hour or so.
But its pouring outside! Valerie exclaimed.
Is it? he replied, rummaging for an umbrella.
Are you sure you want to go? Why not get some air on the balcony instead?
The balcony wont do. I need to walk, you know? Good for the heart. You cant get much exercise standing on a balcony.
But it’s raining
Ill take a brolly. Wont get wet.
Its up to you. I just think you should stay in.
Come now, Val, dont be superstitious. Ill be back in an hour, hour and a half tops.
But barely thirty minutes later, Gregory was back. It turned out, Charlottes husband had received a tip-off about her affair with a neighbour. Someone had called him.
Valerie opened the door just a crack, leaving the chain on.
Wheres your umbrella? she asked him, peering through the small gap. And your coat and shoes? You look a state!
Some lads on the street mugged me! Gregory cried. Took everythingeven my shoes. Let me in before I freeze.
Ive already packed your things, Valerie replied. Youll find them by the bins. Say hello to Charlotte for me.
Charlotte who?
The one from the eighth floor.
Valerie closed the door and went to watch the telly.
Well, good thing our kids are all grown up and gone, she thought. At least they wont witness this embarrassment.
Gregory dashed downstairs to the bins where, as shed said, he found his suitcase, got dressed, and left the building. After a moments hesitation, he decided to book a cab and go to his mothers house.
Thats when he discovered his mobile was still in his lovers flat. He went back, intending to borrow Valeries phone, and got stuck in the lift. The entire building had lost power, and, just like Valerie earlier, he found himself trapped on the eighth floor.
When the electricity came back and he finally got out, Valerie had already left for work. The flat was hers, so Gregory didnt have a key. As he trudged down the stairsplaying it safe this timehe bumped into Charlotte, also with a suitcase and waiting for the lift.
Have you got my phone? Gregory asked, trying not to sound too flustered.
I do, replied Charlotte nervously. And your things too.
Grand
The two of them rode the lift down in silence. Once outside, they hailed separate taxis and sped off in different directions, each to their own uncertain future.
