Stuck:
Iulia Farcas

Oh, just look at us now. A bunch of nobodies staring into thin air because we’re too weirded out by this situation. Thank God that alarm stopped ringing. Argh, I need somebody to talk, I don’t want to be the odd one out breaking the silence. C’mon Alessandra, take a deep breath, it’s easy, you can do it, just start with: “Hi, my name is Alessandra, I’m 21 years old...”

- Lovely weather we’re having today, aye folks?

Argh, the old guy just interrupted my train of thought. I really had it there for a moment. We can't even see the weather, you douche, we're stuck in an elevator...

I stop and stare at him. He’s a large man with a bushy white beard. I could swear he looks just like Santa. Ugh, but he’s got no hair. I just hate bold dudes. But I do like his blue eyes, though. I wish I had colored eyes, but I’m stuck with these boring brown eyes of mine…

- My name is Jim. Since we’re probably gonna be stuck in this elevator for a while, we might as well introduce ourselves. I’m 45 years old, and I’m an engineer.

Oh God, he wants us to know each other now. Can’t you just engineer us out of here? Dude, as soon as those doors open, I’m dashing out of here like there’s no tomorrow. And what’s with the kid? Does he belong to anyone?

- Hi, Jim, it’s good to meet you. My name is Sangheeta. I used to be a school teacher, but I’m retired now. This is my nephew, Max. He’s 8 years old and quite a handful, if I might add.

- You’re a tall one, aren’t you?

Kid, did you just speak to me? Stop staring at me with those big green eyes you’ve got. You don’t want my fingernails stuck in your spiked brown hair, do you, kid? Well, your nana is a short lady; and she's old. If she’s retired, she must be like 65 or something. Man, that’s old! Luckily she’s still got that short black hair going on for her.

- What’s with the fake mustache, kid?

(slight grin)

- It’s for a school play. I’m accompanying my nephew to the rehearsal. My, you have such beautiful long blonde hair. I remember wearing my hair just as long as yours back in the day.

- Thank you, you’re too kind.

(forced smile)

Are we done with the small talk yet? Can we go back to staring into thin air again?