On Elevators

My college here at Van Mildert has seven blocks of dorms, each having a different reputation. Some are average, some are supposed to be really worn down and junky, and one is renowned for being by far the best. I happen to be in that building, Deerness as it's known. I'll post more about my room soon, but for now, the important part is that we have an elevator, or "lift" as it's known here.

I think we are the only building to actually have an elevator. As I live on the third floor, I don't really bother taking it. I much prefer walking up the stairs than waiting for the lift. Occasionally after an especially tiring day, or after football practice I take it, but very sparingly. A couple of nights ago, for whatever reason, I felt like taking the lift. I just couldn't be bothered to walk up three flights of stairs, it must have been after football or something. Anyway, I pushed the button and waited. Nothing happened. I noticed the button hadn't even lit up. I pushed it again. Nothing happened. I gave up and began walking up the stairs.

When I got to my floor I saw a girl sitting on the ground next to the elevator, looking distressed. One of the college porters (men who work the front desk at night) was standing around somewhat awkwardly.

"Chris, are you still okay?" he yelled, to what seemed to be nobody in particular. Surely he wasn't talking to the girl, she was only feet from him, why was he yelling? Entranced by the scene, I stopped to see what was going on.

And then came a partially muffled voice from somewhere deep inside the elevator shaft,

"Yeah, I think so... It's really dark" said the voice of a desperately unlucky person, apparently known as 'Chris'.

"You're okay, just sit tight, I've been on the phone with the repair guys from Newcastle, they should be here in around a half hour" said the porter.

I'd seen enough. Without saying anything I snuck out of the corridor and into my room. I knew full well it could have been me if I'd only arrived a few minutes before. I never heard what happened to the kid, "Chris", but I haven't taken the lift since and don't have any plans to in the near future.