[Ursa major]

Lifting One’s Spirits


Elevators? Hate them. I’m claustrophobic: trapped in a cupboard at age eight. But septuagenarians, stairs and tower blocks don’t mix, so I’m stuck in here.

Got company, though: ‘our’ song. Thinking of Evelyn brings tears, but the music keeps me calm. Seems failed elevators and muzak do mix.

*

“Thanks for getting me out. And the music. What made you choose that melody?”

The janitor looks puzzled. “The residents banned the canned music last year.”