🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 1122 points · Posted at 05:48:53 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
It’s 7:31pm, and I’m the last person in the office. But instead of leaving, I’m standing in front of the elevator with a box of paperclips in my hand.
“Ready to go?” asks Ray.
He’s keeping the elevator door open for me. Behind him are Megan, Carla, and Marcos, all of whom look tired from working so late.
The first time this happened, I opened my mouth to say yes, then I suddenly changed my answer as I remembered my resolution to lose a few pounds.
Back then I said, “Thanks, but I’ll take the stairs.”
This time I don’t say anything.
“Suit yourself,” Ray says anyway, as if I had spoken.
He releases the door, but before it can close, I toss in the box. It lands on its corner and the lid pops off, scattering its contents like a paperclip grenade. Then the door slides shut and I’m alone again.
No one in the elevator thought this was weird. In fact, they didn’t even notice. I’ve done this little experiment many, many times, so I’m not surprised they didn’t react. I’m also not surprised to look over and see the box of paperclips back on my desk, as if I’d never touched it.
My other experiments end the same way. I’ve blocked the doors, I’ve shouted and begged, and I’ve grabbed at Ray’s arm, but nothing makes any lasting difference. My co-workers never respond, and everything resets. I always end up alone in the office, at least until the elevator reappears and Ray asks if I’m ready to go.
I’ve gotten tired of experimenting, but there isn’t much else to do around here. The phones and radios and fire alarms don’t work. All the computers are frozen. I found a cheap romance novel hidden in Megan’s bottom drawer, but I know how it ends. I ought to—I’ve only read it thirty times.
Even if I actually do take the stairwell, it’s like walking into an M. C. Escher print. However many flights I descend or ascend, every door brings me right back here, to the 40th floor.
Of course, I could always join my co-workers in the elevator. I remember once when I was a kid, I was feeling morbidly curious so I looked up elevator accidents and found out they were incredibly rare. Elevators are probably the safest method of transportation in the world, since they basically cannot just go crashing to the ground. You’re about 1,000 times more likely to die on a staircase.
But even though I know that, I also know this: each time the elevator leaves, if I put my ear to the door, I can hear the receding screams of my co-workers echoing back up the shaft.
And that’s why it’s always 7:31pm. Because I’m supposed to be with them.
Looking up from the paperclip box, I see the elevator has returned.
“Ready to go?” asks Ray.
Eventually, I know I’ll say yes.
Saved comment
Queenofscots · 263 points · Posted at 10:32:47 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Meanwhile, on the elevator....
"OK, y'all, ready? Scream good and loud, so he hears through the elevator shaft...."
"Oh, wow, this is our best prank ever!!" Megan chortled gleefully. "He really is so gullible!"
"You put the stairs on the Escher setting, right, Carlos?" Ray asks....
sigh
I wish you could have stairs with different settings: Escher, Hogwarts, To Heaven, Infinite Spiral.....
Lovely one, Midnight :)
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 94 points · Posted at 12:18:27 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ha, I like the idea of doing this as a prank. Always with a different perspective, you! Actually, as soon as I posted this, I started thinking it would've also been fun to do it from the perspective of the folks in the elevator... maybe they actually know what's happening but they're stuck too, so they just get more and more pissed at the person who's making them die over and over. Fun times.
But anyhoo... Happy New Year, your Majesty!
Queenofscots · 51 points · Posted at 00:31:46 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Can you imagine, from their side of it?
"Stewart, no! *No!! DON'T TRY THE FUCKING STAIRS AG---Goddammit! He's doing it again...."
"Ray, can't you do anything? Dear Christ, does he never learn??"
"Stewart, just get your dumb, gullible ass ON THIS FUCKING ELEVATOR SO WE CAN ALL DIE IN PEACE!!!---FUCK ME, stop it with the paper clips!!"
"Is he reading my book??? Oh, God, we are gonna be here forever....."
And a happy New Year to you too, dear Midnight. I hope you had a lovely Christmas, with lots of cookies and candy canes and mistletoe and stuff ♥
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 8 points · Posted at 09:16:31 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ha, nice! Well, I ended up writing a different perspective after all, down below. But thanks, Christmas was fine. No cookies, candy canes, or mistletoe, but I guess there was "stuff." :)
Nynm · 12 points · Posted at 13:56:20 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Midnight, you should definitely post this story again from Ray's or Megan's perspective! :D
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 62 points · Posted at 09:08:18 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well, I think SSS rules don't allow series or sequels, but I figure Megan's perspective might go something like this:
Bastard.
It’s a word I want to shout at the man standing outside the elevator. I want to yell it, to scream it, to scratch it into his forehead with my fingernails.
But I can’t. I can only think it.
His name is Anthony. He’s my co-worker. I can only assume that Ray, Carla, and Marcos—the other occupants of the elevator—feel the same way about him as I do. Anthony keeps flaunting his freedom in front of us, while we’re trapped within our own bodies, endlessly repeating the same minute.
“Ready to go?” Ray asks him.
How many times has Ray said that? I lost track long ago.
This time, Anthony doesn’t reply.
“Suit yourself,” says Ray.
Oh, I see. Anthony is tossing in the box of paperclips again. I can’t look down, but I can feel them hitting my ankles. Why does he do this? Surely he understands they’ll be gone when this minute starts over.
The elevator closes.
We travel down a few floors.
There’s a sudden lurch.
Then I’m screaming and screaming and the terror in my gut is always the same because we’re falling and falling and we keep falli—
Bastard.
We’re back. Anthony is looking at us again.
This is one of the times I’ve decided to not think for awhile, to blank out. I’ve gotten pretty good at blanking out.
Right up until the lurch.
And the screaming.
And the falling, falling, falli—
Bastard.
Lurch.
Scream.
Fall.
Bastard.
Lurch.
Scream.
Fall.
Bastard.
Oh look, the bastard is reading my book again. Either this is the hundredth time, or he’s the slowest reader ever. It’s just a dumb romance novel about a widow named Sydney and a forest ranger named Dalton, but I only had one more chapter to read. Now, every time I see him with it, my anger goes up a notch. You’d think I’d be out of notches, but I keep finding more.
Is this Hell? Is Anthony somehow responsible? Why doesn’t he leave? Go for help? Do something? Anything!
Lurch.
Scream.
Fall.
Bastard.
Maybe he’s trapped, too. I can’t think of any other reason why he won’t just leave. Maybe this would finally end if he joined us in the elevator. Only he won’t, because he’s a coward.
Are you scared of death, Anthony?
Try dying a million times, you bastard!
Lurch.
Scream.
Fall.
Bastard.
So let’s say Anthony does join us. Let’s say he breaks the cycle. What will I do? I’ve had plenty of time to think about this, and I’ve narrowed down two options.
Lurch.
Scream.
Fall.
Bastard.
Option one: Try my damnedest to rip out Anthony’s throat, killing him before he gets a chance to die.
Lurch.
Scream.
Fall.
Bastard.
Option two: Scream a question at him. One that’s been driving me mad.
It used to be:
“Why?”
Now it’s this:
“Did Sydney and Dalton get together in the end, you bastard?”
Lurch.
Scream.
Fall.
Bastard.
I’m leaning towards option one.
Queenofscots · 18 points · Posted at 00:22:33 on January 8, 2016 · (Permalink)
Sydney and Dalton get together, but right before they say 'I do', at their glorious beach wedding in Jamaica, Brooke shows up!! Brooke, who has been the lover of both Sydney and Dalton for years, without either of them knowing quite which sex Brooke actually is, nor caring, because sex with Brooke is utterly Earth-shattering, mind-blowing, gravity-defying, plus Brooke makes a mean mushroom frittata....
Anyhow, Brooke shows up, and nobody gets married, but they all live even more happily ever after :)
But I don't know about Anthony. Dude's proper fucked.
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 9 points · Posted at 02:28:08 on January 8, 2016 · (Permalink)
Lordy, so much romance! I'm fanning myself like a stout Southern sister on a sweaty sunny Sunday. I mean really, how can you beat a good frittata?
Queenofscots · 4 points · Posted at 02:59:57 on January 8, 2016 · (Permalink)
Crepes!!
no, heavens no...not crepes with a frittata--too many roundish, flattish things...
Biscuits!! Light-as-a-feather biscuits, with real butter all melty down in their soft fluffy insides.....not that it beats a frittata, but it does rather enhance it...because if you engage someone in Earth-shattering, mind-blowing, gravity-defying, oh-my-god-I-can't-remember-my-own-name-let-alone-his-name sex, you should follow through by making them a decent breakfast :)
And guess what? We got us some ducklings for Christmas....so hopefully, this coming fall, we will have duck eggs as well as chicken eggs to make frittatas with!! Silver Appleyards...purty, ain't they?
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 3 points · Posted at 12:15:54 on January 8, 2016 · (Permalink)
Cute ducks! Don't think I've ever eaten a duck egg, though. Duck eggs and mind-blowing sex... I'm really missing out! I'm just going to assume I've had mind-blowing sex recently, but I've forgotten about it since it blew my mind so much. And therefore it's her fault I didn't call afterwards. :)
Freaky thing, though... I swear I was just thinking about crepes last night. I worked at an ice cream place as a kid, and we only ever filled them with ice cream. I'm no cook, but for some reason I started wondering what else was possible, so I googled and had this open in a browser tab. Which looks yummy.
But yeah, there you go again, freaking me out with synchronicity. Burn the witch! Or at least toast her a little.
Queenofscots · 3 points · Posted at 02:18:27 on January 9, 2016 · (Permalink)
Mmmmm, savory crepes! I always filled 'em with Cool Whip, then sprinkled powdered sugar on top....kinda like a cheap Napoleon :)
And we are psychically connected, Midnight...we just pick up each others' radio waves...had you been thinking 'pancakes' or 'waffles', and I'd written it, it could just be coincidence--'cause everybody thinks of pancakes and waffles....but crepes? Sorry, we're connected. We probably have each others thoughts a dozen times a day without even realizing it ;)
And if it makes you feel any better, mind-blowing sex isn't the end-all-be-all...I'd give it up in exchange for someone financially stable and responsible, who didn't mind running the vacuum now& then, or changed the oil in my car without me having to remind, ask, beg, plead, cajole, remind....
But then, mind-blowing sex can be had without a partner, if you have the shower on the right setting ;)
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 3 points · Posted at 11:10:56 on January 9, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ah yes, I've heard housekeeping is like foreplay for some of ya'll. Unfortunately, you can't expect everyone to share your freaky sexual fetishes. :) I am jealous of the shower thing, though. There's not really a setting that works for us dudes. If only someone would add a similar setting to vacuums... we'd clean the carpet every damn day.
(As for getting your fella to change the oil, well... okay, I just wrote a couple of sentences of advice, but you didn't ask for advice, so I deleted it. I hate when I start spouting off unasked-for advice. It's like, "Gahh, that's exactly what my mother does to me, and it's annoying!" Sigh. I'm going to bed before I can annoy myself further. Hopefully I'll dream about sexy vacuum cleaners...)
Queenofscots · 2 points · Posted at 13:40:32 on January 9, 2016 · (Permalink)*
Oh, I know....I mostly am just irritated with myself for not doing some of the housework during the week, like I usually do. Now it is Saturday morning, and there is all the housework waiting for me, plus getting a load of hay, cleaning the goats' stall out, library....all are actually things I enjoy, including housework, but it is hard to cram them all into a Saturday. And Sunday has its own list of chores.
More than it being a turn-on to have someone help with chores, it's just nice to have them all done before fooling around....because I know that when the fooling around is over, a guy can bask blissfully in the afterglow, while a woman is thinking Well, I reckon I better go put another load of wash in, then maybe I can get the bedrooms vacuumed up tonight, so I have time to get the grocery shopping and library done tomorrow...
I would not have been annoyed by advice! I just wish it were more of an automatic thing to do it (change oil, help out, etc), because one felt responsibility, rather than having the attu\itude of an 8-yr old who has been asked to tidy up his room. I suppose that's just a personality-difference thing, though. Did the advice involve a blow job? 'Cause I've done that one....works great, but again, nice if it were just part of what one felt responsible for :)
But all that is dull, grown-up stuff--you know what would be fun? A sub for Sexy Short Stories!! I can see it now....
Jayden inhaled deeply, taking in the intoxicating scent....flawless golden skin tempted him to lick, but Skye pulled away, teasing.....then, she came close again, letting him lick the glorious, buttery perfection, sighing in pleasure as Jayden plunged his tongue deep inside, where it was hot, and soft, and creamy.....'Mmmmm, did you put provolone in this frittata?' he asked. 'It's absolutely mind=blowing'.....
My instinct to have one of them kill the other next is alarming ;)
And here is a nice song to accompany your sexy vacuum cleaner dreams....I'm going to go throw some dust rags around :)
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 2 points · Posted at 07:21:55 on January 11, 2016 · (Permalink)
I like that one! Didn't know they had a recent album out, thanks.
And yeah, I'm sure part of it is personality. I once made a woman cry when I made her relax and do nothing while I took care of the dishes. So there definitely are people who take housework waaay too seriously!
Short Sexy Stories sounds like a peachy idea, if it doesn't exist already. But you might have to reign in your frittata fetish. ;) (Or maybe not... I'm sure there would be plenty of takers for short sexy food stories.)
Mr_Halloween · 3 points · Posted at 11:09:27 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yes. YES.
Nynm · 2 points · Posted at 14:05:12 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Bastard.
<3
jmslblnc · 51 points · Posted at 13:43:42 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
The title itself is scary enough.
TeamShadowWind · 29 points · Posted at 08:32:27 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Maybe you should try the windows....
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 47 points · Posted at 12:20:17 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Maybe I'm terrified of pigeons...
TeamShadowWind · 3 points · Posted at 08:28:16 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Death's pigeons?
Mr_Halloween · 16 points · Posted at 21:38:20 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Of course IPAM comes out of hiding and slams another fantastic story on the table. You know, I'm almost not even suprised anymore, you're just too fantastic for this site. I don't even know why you bother coming back, you marvellous creature. I would be lying if I said I hate you.
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 9 points · Posted at 22:16:49 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well, that's better than someone lying when they said they loved me. Truth! But hey, it's nice to see you around more often lately, Hallow. (At least I think you've been popping up more often... it's hard to keep track. I'm pretty sure you took a sabbatical to go murder a monk on a mountaintop or something.)
Mr_Halloween · 4 points · Posted at 22:19:49 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
I've been swinging in and around. Shit's been crazy, you know? But thanks! You wouldn't be wrong about the sabbatical though. He was screaming a lot. I don't think he liked his femur down his oesophagus.
wadenator · 3 points · Posted at 18:40:19 on February 2, 2016 · (Permalink)
any plans on putting together a short story book?
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 2 points · Posted at 04:17:41 on February 5, 2016 · (Permalink)
I've been threatening to do so for a long time, but unfortunately I'm a lazy perfectionist who works a lot. It's a great recipe for procrastination. :)
lets_trade_pikmin · 6 points · Posted at 16:27:32 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is really great. Breath of fresh air from most of the stories on this sub.
gods_fear_me · 4 points · Posted at 08:57:44 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
I like this... creepy.
[deleted] · 5 points · Posted at 17:58:18 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Try jamming the door?
Adapt · 3 points · Posted at 07:28:46 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
"OK guys, just hear me out. Let's pack the elevator with pillows. Lots and lots of pillows. It's a ... uh, prank. Pretty please?"
kissifer5 · 7 points · Posted at 10:09:27 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
I don't get this story.
[deleted] · 61 points · Posted at 10:16:05 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
[removed]
DarthFarious · -12 points · Posted at 13:25:14 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
we need such additions at the end of the stories
seiyria · 53 points · Posted at 13:34:28 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
I think it was fairly obvious and further stating of that info would have detracted from the nice ending.
DarthFarious · -2 points · Posted at 13:45:52 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
I was actually very confused if he was dead or his friends were dead.
So, I was suggesting that when submitting they should include a tldr like thing to explain it for the rest of us
seiyria · 35 points · Posted at 13:51:27 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
That's what the comments section is for. If you're confused, ask here; not all stories have a clear ending (sometimes intentionally), and not all of them want to give you just one interpretation to follow. It'd just detract from the stories to have an explanation at the end of them.
[deleted] · 8 points · Posted at 23:03:33 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Maybe you should learn how to read intuitively. Or do you need that explained to you as well?
xPawreen · 20 points · Posted at 23:18:37 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
No need to be rude.
DarthFarious · 6 points · Posted at 00:53:37 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
r/iamverysmart
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 21 points · Posted at 21:58:54 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Sorry you're getting downvoted, Darth. I understand your opinion... I've watched plenty of movies where I was all "WTF?" at the end. But when I'm reading short fiction, then I don't mind going back and trying puzzle things out. It can be fun, like solving a mystery.
But I recognize it can also be irritating. Luckily for you, there's always the option of Force-choking rebel scum until they give you the information you seek.
ElectroPositive · 3 points · Posted at 21:12:24 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ryos_windwalker · 3 points · Posted at 22:50:56 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yank someone out of the lift, making sure to keep them in sight at all times, at least you'll have someone to talk to.
wadenator · 1 points · Posted at 18:42:39 on February 2, 2016 · (Permalink)
But.. what if the elevator then drags him in?
Ryos_windwalker · 1 points · Posted at 15:59:14 on February 3, 2016 · (Permalink)
Unless it breaks the pattern of no-one responding when he talks to them in the lift, whats going to drag him?
dme14 · 3 points · Posted at 00:46:44 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
This reminds me of that X-Files episode where this woman Pam keeps reliving the day her boyfriend blew up a bank and himself over and over again. Love it!
CalmBeneathCastles · 3 points · Posted at 16:49:37 on January 15, 2016 · (Permalink)
I mean, are you in the process of getting published, or what?
inVINC31ble · 3 points · Posted at 05:28:35 on February 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Hey, wanted to let you know I did a narration of this on my channel. New to the game, so my equipment and experience are on the low end of things, but I figured you may like to check it out. If so, here it is.
I'm a big fan, keep up the good work!
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 3 points · Posted at 01:13:44 on February 22, 2016 · (Permalink)
Thanks for letting me know, Vince! Very nice job on the narration! I wouldn't worry too much about experience and equipment... the great thing about being new is that you pick up all that stuff quickly, as long as you keep at it. So keep up the good work yourself! :)
Edit: Oops, I thought this was a PM. Oh well, my reply still stands.
inVINC31ble · 2 points · Posted at 01:40:53 on February 22, 2016 · (Permalink)
Thank you so much, and no worries. I considered PM'ing it, but I figured it'd be easier to comment it here, and hope that anyone passing by would consider giving it a listen as well.
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 2 points · Posted at 03:00:18 on February 22, 2016 · (Permalink)
Gotcha. I don't get on YouTube much, but I added your video to the playlist I keep for whenever I run across narrations over there. No subscribers, but I suppose it can't hurt! :)
inVINC31ble · 2 points · Posted at 03:39:02 on February 22, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yeah, couldn't hurt at all, thank you!
eerie_mist · 2 points · Posted at 21:46:51 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Great story, great writing - I love it when they come together. Thanks!
museofdoom2 · 2 points · Posted at 22:57:23 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
A beautiful story about the impossibility to avoid your fate. No wonder why you're one of my favorite writers here. With stories like this one...
HELLO_SANTA · 2 points · Posted at 23:01:40 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Here's what you do, get in the elevator and right before it his the bottom jump you will feel weightless and then land safely, or Physics will work and u Gon die
WaywardChilton · 2 points · Posted at 00:29:33 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
I really like this! Reminds me of the Stanley Parable game.
Stab-at-Thee · 2 points · Posted at 15:24:23 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is a great story! Really put's you in the protagonists shoes.
I think EVERYONE would eventually say yes...
hatedoncringeanarchy · 2 points · Posted at 21:56:44 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Brilliant story
Blueathena623 · 2 points · Posted at 02:40:39 on February 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Brilliant!
angelsplantbabies · 2 points · Posted at 18:31:05 on March 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is probably my favorite story on this sub. Great job!!
DarnThoseOranges · 2 points · Posted at 06:40:08 on June 1, 2016 · (Permalink)
When I was a freshman in college, one of the elevators stopped with students inside during a power outtage. With that thought in the back of my mind, the fear that just crawled up my spine now is enchanting.
kissifer5 · 1 points · Posted at 11:01:04 on January 7, 2016 · (Permalink)
Pretty ok, but I've seen the same idea/subject in a short japanese movie.
the_itch · 1 points · Posted at 15:11:45 on January 9, 2016 · (Permalink)
Stuck at work forever in an endless loop? The horror. Actually that doesn't sound to different from some people's life day-over-day.
Seriously thought, great stuff Midnight, what with the inevitability of death and all. Gave me chills at the end.
Ctrl- · 1 points · Posted at 07:25:53 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Nice story but feels similar to one posted here long time ago in which someone is insane and keeps trying to reach the top floor.
Was that you?
MartyCrumboid · 14 points · Posted at 08:20:50 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Not OP but relevant: I'm currently working on a longer thing about a guy stuck in a loop on a train.
At first I felt pretty bad about all the other stories and films that also did that, but then I realized loop fiction should probably just be considered a very specific subgenre. It just provides a framework for something that can either be excellent or horrible.
That said, this one is good. The lead-in is subtle and the exit is suitably dark.
🎙️ IPostAtMidnight · 6 points · Posted at 12:08:14 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
Nope, I've written looping stories before, but I don't think the one you're referring to was mine. But as /u/MartyCrumboid mentioned, there's a lot of looping fiction around. Heck, even Pink Floyd did it in The Wall. Looping is fun. :)
Cereborn · 3 points · Posted at 15:48:20 on January 6, 2016 · (Permalink)
That doesn't sound particularly similar.