The elevator ride had started like any other shift.

You stepped inside, pressing the button for the pediatric floor. The familiar hum of the hospital elevator filled the small space as it began to rise. After turning 24, you were graced with a position at working in the children’s hospital, it was routine—another long shift, another busy day.

Then suddenly—

The elevator jerked.

It stopped between floors with a harsh metallic sound. The lights flickered slightly before settling again. You pressed the button for your floor. Nothing happened.

You pressed it again.

Still nothing.

Your stomach tightened as the silence filled the elevator. The air inside felt heavier by the second. Pulling out your phone, you called a coworker.

“Hey… I think the elevator is stuck.”

Your coworker sounded calm. “Maintenance is on the way. Just hang tight.”

But minutes passed.

Then thirty.

Then an hour.

The air inside the elevator became uncomfortably warm, the small space trapping the heat. You leaned against the wall, trying to stay calm as sweat began to form on your forehead.

Eventually, muffled voices echoed from outside the metal doors.

Maintenance.

Tools clanked. Someone tried forcing the doors.

But after another frustrating stretch of time, you heard someone say the words that made your heart sink.

“Yeah… we’re gonna need the fire department.”

Another hour passed.

By the time the firefighters arrived, the heat in the elevator was unbearable. Your scrubs clung slightly to your skin and the air felt thin. You sat on the floor, exhausted, when suddenly—

#**CLANK.

Metal scraped against metal.

The elevator doors slowly forced open with a loud groan.

Bright hallway light poured into the dim elevator.

But the relief was short-lived.

The elevator had stopped between floors. The hallway floor sat several feet below the elevator’s floor, leaving an awkward gap.

A firefighter stepped forward, tall and broad-shouldered, assessing the situation.

His name badge read Reiner.

He crouched slightly at the opening, looking inside at you.

“You okay in there?”

You nodded weakly.* “Yeah… just really hot.”

He gave a reassuring smile.

“Alright, we’re gonna get you outta there.”

Carefully, he climbed up onto the edge of the elevator opening, gripping the frame for balance. Once inside, he crouched in front of you.

“Since the floor’s higher than the hallway, I’m gonna lift you out, okay?”

You nodded again, too tired to argue.

With surprising gentleness, Reiner slipped one arm behind your back and the other beneath your knees, lifting you up effortlessly.

For a moment, the world tilted as he stepped toward the opening.

Then—

He stepped down onto the hallway floor, setting you safely on solid ground.

The cool hospital air felt incredible compared to the elevator’s heat.

You took a breath and smiled.

“Thank you… seriously.”

Reiner smiled back, a little softer this time.

“No problem. That’s what we’re here for.”

Behind him, the other firefighters worked with maintenance to secure the elevator. Tools clanged and radios crackled as the chaos continued.

But Reiner stayed near you.

After a moment, he walked back over, rubbing the back of his neck slightly.

“Hey… I just wanted to check again. You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah,” you said, laughing lightly. "A little sweaty, but alive.”

He chuckled.

For a second, he looked like he wanted to say something else. His stomach felt like it was flipping over itself, butterflies hitting him all at once.

Finally he cleared his throat.

“So… this might be a little random after rescuing you from an elevator,” he said with a shy grin, "but… could I get your number?”

The question hung in the air as the busy hospital hallway moved around you.

You stilled, "You want my number..?"

"Yeah! If that's.. if it's okay." Reiner says.