[ WP ] Short story that takes place in a single elevator ride .

* ( I've never posted here before, only read other people's work, but I'll bite ) * 
 
 As John heard the unmistakable `` ding'' of the elevator, he paused and turned around for one last look at the office. His office. He hesitated, wondering if he should skip the elevator and spend a few more minutes perusing the space, *his* space, for any leftover pieces of paper or decorations he may have missed. Despite his desire to hide from the harsh reality of the world for a few minutes longer, John knew that the task was ultimately pointless. With all the times he had gone over the office today, the only way any of his possessions could have escaped his search would be if they had turned invisible. Sighing, John snapped his suitcase shut and reluctantly headed to the elevator. 
 
 The first thing John noticed as he entered the elevator was the silence. Despite the half-dozen other people in this cramped metal box, there was no noise. No one spoke. No one was willing to meet his eyes. No one, it seemed, would even acknowledge his existence. As the doors shut, John closed his eyes and listened as *Stayin' Alive* started playing. He had always found it to be an irritating song, and yet today, even that obnoxious dance music had its own miserable appeal. As the elevator began its descent, someone coughed. A few seconds later, he heard a slight rustle as someone shifted their position. He suspected it was Mary, who always shifted her weight from foot to foot whenever she was even slightly out of her comfort zone. With a slight pang of regret, John resigned himself to the fact that there would be no interaction with his `` coworkers'' on the ride down to the lobby. 
 
 After what felt like hours, despite John's knowledge that the descent took approximately 33 seconds, the `` ding'' sounded, the music stopped, and the doors opened. As John stepped out of the elevator, he paused and turned back around to face the people with whom he had built the life that was now falling into shambles before him. He finally looked them in the eyes, yet their faces betrayed nothing, save perhaps an expression of mild discomfort. He turned back once the doors began to close, and as he did so, he thought he heard someone whisper `` Goodbye''. 
 
 John stood motionless for a moment, before slowly reaching into his pocket and drawing out a piece of paper, pink as the sunset which he now faced. He had promised himself that there would be no tears, but as he began to head for the exit one last time, he knew that this would be the one promise he could n't keep. 

