Valerie was on her way to work when she suddenly realised she had left her phone at home. She decided to turn back, stepped into the lift, andjust her luckit broke down on the eighth floor! While she was waiting to be rescued, she suddenly heard her husband, Gregory, talking with a woman in the corridor.
Darling, he spoke softly, I cant wait until were together again.
Tonight we will be, replied the woman. Come over after ten.
Is your husband on the night shift again?
Yes, hell be away all week, she whispered back. He leaves at half nine and returns the same time in the morning. Hell be back soon, though, so well have to be quick.
Why is this damn lift taking so long? Gregory grumbled.
They carried on chatting outside the lift for a few minutes. At first, it didnt occur to them it had broken down, but once they realised, they took the stairs instead.
Gregory spent those moments thanking his companion, Violet, for the joy of their meetings and the happy moments theyd shared. At first, Valerie wasnt sure she recognised her husbands voiceafter all, plenty of people might chat in the corridor. But when Violet called Gregory by name, and then Valerie heard her own name come up, it became terribly clearher husband was having an affair with their neighbour from flat number forty.
Valerie could hardly believe what she was hearing!
So thats how it is, thought Valerie. She lives right here on the eighth floor. Youve made things nice and convenient for yourself, Greg. Now I know exactly where you go for your so-called evening walks to get some fresh air. Well, Ill show you fresh air, and youll remember this stroll for the rest of your life
Soon enough, the engineers arrived and managed to get the lift working again. But by then, Valerie had already come up with a plan.
It was about ten in the evening when Gregory, as he often did, announced he was off for a stroll to get some air.
Val, called Gregory. Ill be back in about an hour.
But its pouring outside! said Valerie in surprise.
Is it?
Wouldnt you rather stay in? Just get some air out on the balcony.
The balcony wont do. I need to walk about, you see? Its good for the heartcant exactly do laps on a balcony.
But its raining?
Ill take an umbrella with me. Ill be just fine.
Well, it’s up to you, but I really dont think you should go tonight.
And why not?
Just a feeling, thats all, Greg. Its not your day, I swear.
Oh, dont start with your superstitions and hunches. Ill be back in an hour, hour and a half, tops.
Gregory came back after only half an hour. Turns out, Violets husband had received a mysterious call letting him know his wife was being unfaithfulwith none other than a neighbour! Gregorys evening had ended far sooner than planned.
Valerie opened the door just a crack, with the safety chain still on.
Wheres your umbrella? she asked. And why arent you dressed for the rain? Where are your shoes and coat?
Some blokes came up to me on the street, Gregory replied, flustered. Can you believe it? They took everythingeven my shoes. Please, let me in, Im freezing.
Ive packed your things, Valerie said calmly. Theyre by the rubbish chute. Give my regards to Violet.
To who?
Our neighbour. On the eighth floor.
Valerie closed the door and returned to the television.
At least the children are grown and moved out, she thought, spared from seeing this embarrassment.
Gregory dashed to the rubbish chute, found his suitcase, changed into his clothes, and then left the building. He looked about and decided to get a taxi to his mothers house.
Thats when he realised his phone was still at Violets flat. He decided to head back, thinking he might ask Valerie to let him in to use the phonebut got stuck in the lift himself. Thered been a power cut in the whole building. Just like Valerie before him, he was stuck on the eighth floor.
By the time the power returned and Gregory finally got out of the lift, Valerie had already left for work. The flat, which actually belonged to his wife, was locked, and Gregory didnt have a key.
As Gregory was going down the stairsdeciding not to risk the lift again, just in casehe bumped into Violet, who was also holding a suitcase and waiting for the lift.
Have you got my phone? Gregory asked.
Yes, replied Violet, a bit shaken. And your things too.
Well, thats something
They rode the lift together in awkward silence and soon parted ways when their taxis arrivedheading in different directions.
