She was heading up to her apartment after a long day when the elevator suddenly jolted to a stop between floors. The lights flickered, and for a moment, she felt a wave of anxiety. Just as she was about to press the emergency button, the elevator lurched back into motion, stopping at the next floor.

As the doors opened, another woman stepped in, noticing her slightly shaken expression. They exchanged a brief glance, and the woman asked if she was okay. She nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed but grateful for the concern.

The two of them rode the rest of the way in silence, but as they stepped out on their respective floors, the woman gave her a reassuring smile, saying, “It happens sometimes. Just glad it’s over.”

She smiled back, appreciating the small gesture of understanding. It was a brief moment, but it made her feel less alone in an otherwise stressful situation.