The Unofficial Elevator Operator

Why does this feel like a social test every time? Standing way too close to the elevator

buttons. I walk in. Doors close. I’m right next to the panel.

Everyone’s staring at me now. Someone says a floor number. Soft.

I didn’t hear it. I nod anyway. Press a button. Was that the right one?

No one corrects me. That’s worse. Elevator starts moving.

Silence. We stop on the wrong floor. I stare straight ahead like I had

nothing to do with this. If you’ve ever been the unofficial elevator operator,

hit like right now — you’ve lived that pressure.