Margaret was making her way to work one morning, as she so often did, when she suddenly realised she had forgotten her mobile at home. With a sigh, she turned back, entered the lift only for it to shudder and break down at the eighth floor! There she sat, trapped, hoping for help, when she was startled to hear her husband Arthurs voice echoing through the corridor.
He was speaking with a woman Eleanor from the flat across the landing, as it later became clear.
My darling Eleanor, Arthurs gentle words drifted through the lift doors, Ive missed you so, and Im counting the minutes until were together again.
Tonight, my dear, replied Eleanor warmly. Come to me after ten Ill be waiting.
Is your husband working the night shift again? asked Arthur.
Yes, all this week, Eleanor whispered. He leaves at half past nine, back just before dawn. Actually, well need to be quick; hell be home soon.
Arthur muttered crossly, This lift takes an age, doesnt it?
They carried on for four or five minutes, standing there absentmindedly near the lift. It took them a while to realise the lift wasnt coming, and eventually they headed down the stairs instead.
As they left, Arthur thanked Eleanor for the joy their meetings brought him, reminiscing about the sweet times theyd shared.
At first, Margaret scarcely believed her ears so many people used the lift, so many voices in the corridors. But when she heard Eleanor call Arthur by name and mention Margaret herself all doubt vanished. Her husband was deceiving her, and doing so with their neighbour from flat forty.
Margaret could hardly believe it.
So thats how it is, she thought to herself. Living it up with your bit of fluff right upstairs. No wonder you take so many strolls for ‘fresh air’ at night. I’ll give you a walk youll not soon forget
Before long, the maintenance men arrived, prised open the lift, and let Margaret out. And in those minutes alone, she began to form her plan.
That evening, near to ten, as Arthur usually did, he declared he was going out for a walk to “clear his head.”
Margie, he called, Ill be back in an hour or so.
But its pouring outside! Margaret exclaimed.
Just a bit of rain.
Wouldnt it be better to stay in? You could pop onto the balcony for fresh air.
Not the same. I need a proper walk, its good for the heart. Balconys just not enough.
But the rain?
Ill grab my brolly I wont get soaked.
Well, if you must just be careful. Todays not your day, Arthur.
Oh, Margaret, not your superstitions again. Ill be back in a tick.
Arthur was gone barely thirty minutes. Hed rushed back, shaken, because someone had phoned Eleanors husband and told him about her affair with a neighbour.
Margaret came to the door but left it on the chain.
And wheres your umbrella? she asked, peering out. And your coat your shoes?
Some blokes jumped me in the road! Arthur sputtered. Took everything even me shoes! Please, just let me in Im freezing.
Ive packed your things, Margaret replied, voice cool as stone. Theyre by the bins round the back. Give Eleanor my regards.
Eleanor who?
Eleanor from the eighth floor.
Without another word, Margaret closed the door and went to watch the telly.
Thank God the children have grown and moved out, she thought. Theyd never get over such a disgrace.
Arthur dashed round to the bins and found his suitcase. He dressed hurriedly and slipped out of the building.
He glanced about, decided to hail a cab and go to his mothers for the night.
Only then did he remember hed left his phone in Eleanors flat. Swallowing his pride, he headed back to ask Margaret for hers. Just his luck: as he stepped into the lift, it groaned and stuck fast at the eighth floor.
The whole place had been blacked out by a power cut. Just like Margaret earlier that day, Arthur was now stranded in the lift at the same floor.
By the time the lights flickered back on and the lift creaked open, Margaret had gone to work, and as the flat was in her name, Arthur no longer had a key.
He decided to walk down the stairs, just in case, and wouldnt you know it, on the eighth floor he bumped into Eleanor.
She too had a suitcase and was waiting for the lift, pale and nervous.
Have you got my phone? Arthur asked her.
Yes, Eleanor stammered, and your things as well.
Thats something, at least.
They clambered into the lift together. When they reached the ground floor, the cabs waiting outside drove them off in opposite directions. And so, their foolish adventure came to a quiet, sorry end.
