Valerie was hurrying to work when she suddenly realised she’d left her mobile at home. She decided to nip back, stepped into the lift, andwouldn’t you know itthe thing broke down on the eighth floor! Valerie had no choice but to wait for someone to rescue her, but while she sat there, frustrated and anxious, she heard her husband Georges voice echoing through the corridor outside. He was talking to a woman.
My darling, he was saying softly. I cant wait until we’re together again.
Tonight we’ll be, the woman replied. Come round after ten, Ill be waiting.
Is your husband doing another night shift tonight?
Yes, all this week hes on nights, the woman answered sweetly. He leaves by half nine and doesnt return until morning. Hell be back soon though, so we should get a move on.
Why is the lift taking so long? George complained.
They chatted by the lift doors for a good four minutes before they twigged it was stuck. Once they realised, they gave up and trotted down the stairs.
During their conversation, George thanked herfor all the joy she brought him, for the happy moments theyd shared. At first, Valerie didn’t think it was her Georgepeople chatted in the corridor all the time. But when she heard the woman call him George, and then heard her own name mentioned, it clickedher husband was having an affair with a neighbour, the one from flat forty.
Valerie could hardly believe her own ears. So thats how it is! she thought. She lives on the eighth floor, does she? Youve made yourself comfortable. Now I know where you go every evening for a breath of fresh air. I know exactly what sort of air that is. Well, Ill give you something to remember next time you go for a stroll
Eventually the repairmen arrived and freed her from the lift. But by then, Valerie had devised a plan.
That evening, around ten oclock, George decidedjust as usualto pop out for some fresh air.
Val, he said, Im just heading out for an hour.
But its pouring with rain out there! Valerie protested.
Rain?
Maybe you should stay in? Go out on the balcony and get some air there.
The balconys no good. I need to walk, you see? Its good for the heart. You cant stretch your legs on the balcony.
But its really coming down
Ill take an umbrella. Wont get wet.
Alright, as you wish. But itd be better if you didnt.
Why not?
Its not your day, George.
Oh, come on. I dont believe in all your superstitions. Ill be back in an hour, hour and a half.
George was back in half an hour. As it turned out, Violas husband had received an anonymous tip-off that his wife was cheating with the neighbour.
Valerie answered the door, but left the chain on.
And your umbrella? Where are your shoes and raincoat? she asked, barely opening the door.
Some lads mugged me! George exclaimed. Honestly! Took everythingeven my shoes. Let me in, Im freezing.
I’ve packed your things, said Valerie. Theyre by the bins. Give my regards to Viola.
Viola who?
The one from the eighth floor.
Valerie closed the door and returned to the television.
Well, thank goodness the kids are grown up and moved away, she thought. They didnt have to witness this nonsense.
George dashed round to the bins, found a suitcase with his clothes, got changed, and eventually left the building.
He paused and decided to ring a taxi to take him to his mums. Only then did he realise hed left his phone at his lovers flat. He decided to go back and ask Valerie for hers andjust his luckgot stuck in the lift.
The whole block had lost power at that point, so, just like Valerie earlier, he was stranded on the eighth floor.
By the time the power was back and the lift started up again, Valerie was already off to work. George didnt have a key to the flatit was his wifes, not his.
Heading down the stairs, just to be safe, he bumped into Viola on the eighth floor. She had a suitcase too and was waiting for the lift.
Have you got my phone? George asked.
Yes, Viola replied nervously. And your things as well.
Thats good
They rode the lift down together. In the end, their taxis took them off in very different directions.
