A New Beginning

He stared at the floor indicator, watching the numbers blink down one agonizing level at a time. He was desperate to escape, to start anew, but the elevator’s slow descent only fueled his frustration.

“Damn it!” he muttered under his breath.

Eight floors felt like an eternity. Not that there was anyone or anything waiting for him at the bottomjust the weight of a pink slip and a folder carrying his latest resume, a reminder of his uncertain future.

Finally, the doors slid open, releasing a waft of perfume that carried him back to the jasmine bushes of his childhood. He looked up and noticed hera stranger with eyes the shade of warm honey, newly familiar and yet striking in this sterile building.

She had recently moved in. He mustered a weak smile, expecting nothing. To his surprise, she smiled back, a quiet gesture that warmed the stale air between them. He hesitated, his finger lingering on the buttons. Then, without thinking, he pressed the one for the top floor again, staying in the small shared space a little longer.

The elevator seemed quicker on the way up, as if the moments were rushing by too fast. When they reached the top again, he stepped aside, letting her exit first. She turned to him, her smile softer this time.

“Bye,” she said and followed it with another smile that felt like a small promise.

He watched her walking away until she finally disappeared around a corner. His gaze dropped to the folder in his hand, his fingers tracing the edges as he sighed. Today hadn’t gone as planned, but maybe, just maybe, tomorrow could be his lucky day .