I quickly freshen up, spraying a bit of perfume and fluffing my hair. I opt for a simple pair of black leggings and a loose sweatshirt, but I also add a scarf because I don’t want to catch a cold. I grab my bag and head out, my nerves a jumble of excitement and nervousness.
I manage to catch a cab to Daniel’s place, my thoughts racing the entire way there. The sky is darkening as evening sets in. The cityscape flashes by as the cab weaves through the traffic. I check my phone; it’s nearly seven. Finally, the taxi comes to a stop at the address I gave the driver. I look at the high-rise apartment building in front of me. This is it.
I adjust my scarf around my neck, feeling the fabric flutter gently against my skin. The cool evening breeze carries a gust of freshness, and I smile in response.
With a final look at the surroundings, I begin making my way towards the entrance, my footsteps echoing softly on the pavement. The entrance to the apartment complex is grand, with marble flooring and glass walls.Wow, he must be rich to be able to afford this.
I walk to the elevator, heart thudding inside my chest. Pressing the button, I wait for the elevator to arrive, the silence in the building making me feel a tad bit alone. I keep fidgeting, adjusting my scarf, and playing with the straps of the bag slung over my shoulder.
The elevator swiftly arrives, and I step inside carefully. The doors close, and it begins to rise.
Suddenly, the lights flicker and the elevator jerks to a halt, leaving me in complete darkness. My heart begins to race as panic sets in, the lack of light making the small space seem even smaller. I take a step backwards, my back hitting the wall. My breathing becomes shallow, and I feel a wave of claustrophobia wash over me.
“No, no, please, this can’t be happening,” I mutter under my breath as my heart drums against my ribs. The elevator is stuck, and the darkness around me feels oppressive.
I fumble around, trying to find a way to call for help. I feel the cold metal of the emergency call button. I press it a couple of times, hoping for a response. I take off my bag, trying to search for my phone. I rummage through my belongings, desperately trying to find my phone in the darkness. I feel a sense of helplessness as my fingers fumble around, searching for the familiar shape of my device. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, my hand closes around the cool surface of my phone.
With trembling hands, I press the power button, and the screen lights up, casting a faint glow in the cramped space. I quickly unlock it and dial Daniel’s number. The phone rings a couple of times before it connects, and I hear Daniel’s voice on the other end.
“You're late, Firecracker. I am not going to let this opportunity pass. You still have two minutes. If you don’t make it, I am going to taunt you for life.” He chuckles.
A sob escapes my mouth. “Daniel, please get me out of here,” I beg. My voice trembles, and tears sting my eyes.
“Anya? What’s wrong? Where are you?”The teasing tone in his voice disappears, leaving behind only concern. I hold the phone tighter, feeling scared in this darkness, it feels like it’s going to engulf me. “Hey, Anya, listen to me. Can you please focus on my voice? Okay, where are you? Can you tell me that?” This timehe speaks softly, but urgency is evident in his voice.
“Can’t breathe.” I cry. “Elevator. Claus-claustrophobic,” I explain as much as I can.
“Hey, can you focus on my breathing and try to copy me? I am right here, Firecracker. We are in this together, okay?” I nod, trying to copy him as he instructs me. “You are doing so good, baby. I am so proud of you.” He breathes out. He sounds like he is running.
I turn on my flashlight, casting a weak beam of light around the enclosed elevator, illuminating the small space. It provides a tiny sense of comfort, driving away a hint of the dark unknown.
My breathing is still erratic and my vision starts to blur. “Daniel, I don’t know if I can do this,” I admit, my voice breaking. “I’m scared.”
“I will be there in two minutes, Firecracker. Hold on for me, please. Do you want to hear a lame joke?” he asks. Is he serious? Even in my panicked state, I can’t help but feel a flicker of warmth in my chest. His attempt to distract me with a joke is both endearing and funny.
With a shaky voice, I manage to say, “You are the joke, aren’t you?”
He chuckles softly. “You still manage to make fun of me.” I nod, even though he can’t really see me. “Which animal plays sports all the time?” he asks.
“Bat. Too easy,” I answer almost immediately. With my heart still beating so damn fast, I feel a little lighter, a tad bit more comfortable than before. His stupid jokes and just listening to his voice are helping me focus on something other than the panic taking over me.
“Good, your brain is still working.” He attempts humor, but I can hear the worry in his voice. “Okay, a more difficult one now. What is a turtle’s favorite sport to watch on TV?”
“I have no idea,” I reply in ashaky voice. “What sport does a turtle watch on TV?” I ask, trying to steady my breathing.
I can hear his rugged breathing as he shouts at someone. “Daniel?” I ask as I slide against the cold wall, sitting down on the floor.
“Hey, I am right here, Firecracker,” he responds softly. I sigh in relief.
“What’s the answer?” I ask, trying to distract myself.
“He’s a big fan of shell-hockey,” he says gently. I hum.
“Please hurry, captain,” I plead, vulnerability evident in my voice. “I think I am about to pass out.” My vision blurs. I just want to get out of here. I feel so stuck.
∞∞∞
15
