The sun peeks over the surrounding buildings. The crisp cool night air shifts into a humid breeze. I pull out my pocket watch from my left pocket, 6:45 am it reads.
I shove the pocket watch back into my blazer pocket and pull out my keys. I yawn loudly as I open the door. I let the door slam lock. The empty hall carried an odd pungent mixture smell of mold and lemon disinfectant. I pressed the elevator button repeatedly in frustration. Another yawn escapes but this time more aggressively than the last. I press the button a couple times more. I stand there for a few more seconds before I notice the giant yellow sign on the door.

‘Not in service’, in all caps.

I sigh. “Great!”

I turn around towards the stairs and immediately get more frustrated. After the night I had all I wanted was a working elevator. I slowly make my way up the stairs. Passing each floor without really paying attention to anything. Once I reach the 6th floor I sigh again. Looking down the hall I see Emily, standing at the door knocking mercilessly.

“Audrey, are you in there? Hello? We need to talk right now.”

Who is even up this hour? Besides me of course. I wipe my hand across my face and fake a smile.

“Emily I’m here”

Emily turns and stares at me in disbelief.

“What are you doing up at this hour?”

I keep a smile on my face though I am internally screaming. I could ask her the same thing. I walk down the hall at a...