For three weeks
the elevator in my building
made a sound
like someone reconsidering marriage
Nobody reported it
We simply adjusted emotionally
The old woman from 4B
crossed herself quietly
before every ride
which honestly
improved the atmosphere
One morning
the elevator stopped completely
People stood in the lobby
holding groceries
and private disappointments
like refugees
from minor convenience
A handwritten sign appeared:
TEMPORARILY OUT OF SERVICE
which is also
how most adults introduce themselves
Later that evening
someone placed flowers
beside the elevator doors
possibly as a joke
possibly not
No one removed them
For two days
the building climbed stairs together
breathing heavily
avoiding eye contact
becoming briefly communal
which is the closest most cities
ever come to love