The Sideways Elevators

Every elevator in the city abandoned its vertical path. They now travel sideways,

diagonally, and sometimes, into places unknown. Inside, passenger faces melted

into featureless mirrors, reflecting only their unspoken regrets, a silent symphony of what could

have been. A faceless attendant offers a cup of glowing liquid. It tastes like

lost conversations, a bittersweet echo of what once was. Some sip the

liquid, embracing oblivion, and vanish into shimmering motes of light,

leaving no trace behind. Others choose to stay, whispering their deepest

secrets to the responsive shadows that remember everything, holding onto their lingering regrets.