You decide that the elevator ride would be more exciting with some conversation, and maybe it will take your mind off how pissed your boss is going to be. You turn to the man sharing the elevator with you.
"So, how's your day going?"
The man looks up at you in surprise and that's when you notice that he's obviously been crying. You turn fully towards him.
"Hey, you look like you're maybe not having a great day. Want to talk about it?"
"No...maybe...yes."
The man pauses for a long moment.
"I got laid off this morning. For the fourth time in six months. Another downsizing. It seems like no matter where I go it doesn't work out. I'm not making any money. I just got married and I'm supposed to be helping support us, not dragging us down. At this point I'm worth more as a life insurance policy."
You raise a hand in a calming gesture.
"Woah, let's not jump to conclusions. That's a string of bad luck for sure, but it's not the end of the world. Think about it this way, you've managed to find three jobs in six months. Do you know how hard that is? And you found someone who loves you enough to get married. That's something not everyone gets."
"I'm more of a burden then a husband really."
"I doubt your partner would say that. Did you tell them you got laid off?"
"No, I couldn't bear to disappoint him again."
"Well I think you should call him. Don't decide his feelings for him. Might as well, there's not much else to do in an elevator right?"
"I guess."
The man pulls out his phone and makes the call. You try not to listen too hard to the tearful conversation. When the elevator opens at the top floor you hold the door but the man waves you on.
"I'm going to ride back down. Thank you. I'm Greg by the way."
"You're welcome, Greg."
You give them your name and let the door close. You start looking around for your thief. They aren't on the top floor, or any of the other floors that you check as you make your way back down the building. When you get back to the lobby you call your boss to tell them you aren't coming to work. Then you head back to your apartment, feeling both better and worse than you did when the day started. You collapse on the couch.
