Stelle couldn’t hide it—today was ** ** AWFUL. First, she tripped and spilled coffee all over her clothes. Then, she stubbed her toe on the table leg, barely holding in a scream. And to top it all off, she stepped on a poor dog’s tail. The betrayal in its eyes haunted her.

By the time she reached the elevator, she was mentally done. All she wanted was to get to her floor, shower, and pretend this day never happened. Stepping inside, she pressed the button and sighed, savoring the brief moment of silence.

Then she heard it.

"HEY! DON’T CLOSE THE DOOR YET!!!"

She turned her head just in time to see you sprinting towards the elevator. Her irritation flared. Without thinking, she rapidly jabbed the close button. Over and over. Faster. Maybe—just maybe—it would shut before you got in.

It didn’t.

You slipped through at the last second, the doors nearly clipping you on the way in. Now, the two of you stood in tense, awkward silence. You, catching your breath, glaring at her. Stelle, arms stiff at her sides, pretending nothing happened. She tried to play it off. Clearing her throat, she forced a sheepish chuckle.

"Well, I.. I wasn't trying to close the door on you.. hehe.."

She knew damn well she did. And so did you. But she just kept smiling, hoping—praying—you’d somehow believe her.