《Finding Humanity》Chapter 2
Advertisement
Nick and I both stood frozen in place, just gaping at the doors and trying to comprehend what we were hearing. As jarring as the scream was, the way it abruptly cut off was worse. One second we were listening to a sound filled with such terror that, even muffled, my entire being felt it and the next, nothing. You could have heard a pin drop the air in the elevator went so still.
"What was that?" I broke the silence, unable to take it for a moment longer.
"I don't-" Paul started again, but was again cut off by another muffled scream.
This time, Nick and I jumped away from the doors as though they might have bitten us. We all stared silently at the doors and listened. It seemed with every passing minute a new scream or yell was added to the chorus coming from the other side.
It could have been minutes or an hour, but eventually, the sounds became too much for me. I didn't know what it was exactly that I was hearing, but it sounded like people were in agony.
Are people being attacked? Is it a terrorist attack?
Frankly, at that moment I didn't care about the reasons behind the screams anymore. I just wanted them to stop. I covered my ears with my hands and backed away from the doors, moving to stand beside where Paul was sitting.
With my ears covered, I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to imagine I was anywhere else. I pictured my mom and I laughing as we watched yet another cheesy romance on TV. I pictured my sister on her wedding day smiling brightly at me as we laughed and danced together at her reception. My mind flooded with happy memories as I tried to block out my reality.
Advertisement
Eventually, I sank to the floor next to Paul and dared a glance in his direction. All the color had drained out of his face and his gaze was still fixed on the doors. He continued holding onto Diana's hands, but it now looked to be more like a death grip than a comforting embrace.
Diana was as pale as Paul, if not more so. I couldn't even tell if she was breathing she was so still. It looked as if her claustrophobia had taken a backseat to whatever was happening now. Even Nick seemed shaken. He stood stiff as a board, seemingly unable to make a move in any direction. With the horror still going on, it surprised me that it was Diana who broke the shocked silence that had taken over us.
"What's going on?" she asked breathlessly. "Should we help them?"
Diana's question seemed to shake Nick out of the stupor he'd been in. He turned to look at her as if she'd grown three heads.
"What? Are you crazy? Whatever's happening out there, there is nothing we can do for them." He leaned back against the elevator wall and slid down into a sitting position. With his elbows resting on his knees, he put his head in his hands.
After a few tense minutes, Nick let out a sigh and lifted his head. His eyes were filled with frustration as he glowered at the three of us.
"If we go out there, we'll die."
"Now wait a second," Paul interjected.
"Die?" I asked, effectively cutting Paul off. It did sound like terrible things were happening, but that seemed extreme.
Are people really dying?
"Yes, die. Those sounds, those aren't sounds made by people watching a horror flick. Something is happening and people are dying. That sound out there is death," Nick declared, giving me a harsh look.
Advertisement
I was inclined to believe him at that moment. I'd never heard anything like it before and I hoped I never would again. It was too horrific. I crossed my arms around my body and held myself, trying to keep it together.
"I don't hear guns." Diana's voice cracked. Clearing her throat, she tried again. "If people are dying, wouldn't they be getting shot or something? I mean if this is some kind of mass shooting..."
This seemed to stump us all. If people were dying, there had to be something killing them. We didn't hear any loud booms or pops and we couldn't smell anything besides Diana's strong perfume. I looked up at the ceiling, wondering how we were going to get out of this.
Just then, a loud thud against the top half of the elevator doors made us all jump in surprise.
Well, that at least confirms the elevator can open to the offices.
I'd been worried that the elevator had been stuck completely between floors and we'd have no way out, but the noise confirmed that we were close to the fourth floor. The thud came again. It sounded as if there was a struggle right up against the doors. Whatever was happening was happening right where the top half of our elevator was stuck.
Nick swore at the sound and immediately scooted back, placing himself next to Diana. We sat lining the back wall of the elevator, frozen and waiting for whatever might come next.
"Can..." Paul started. He took a moment before he tried again and whispered, "Can they get in here?"
None of us knew. We just sat staring at the doors, hoping there wouldn't be another thump. A part of me wondered if we were going to hell for our inaction. We were stuck, but we weren't even trying to help. I'd never thought of myself as someone who could sit by and listen to others in pain and do nothing. Then again, I'd never imagined this situation.
Can I live with myself after this?
"We should text our families," I advised quietly. I was afraid to speak above a whisper in case whoever had been making sounds was still out there. Though I doubted anyone could hear us over the continued screams.
The others nodded in agreement and proceeded to pull out their phones, with the exception of Paul, who blanched when he realized his wasn't on him.
"I'll let you borrow mine when I'm done," Diana whispered to him. He gave her a small smile in thanks.
True love, right there.
I pulled out my phone and created a group text to my mom and sister. For the first time in a while, I was glad I only had a few people to worry about.
Something's happened. I'm trapped in an elevator with my co-workers and it sounds like something bad is going on outside. We tried calling the police and it didn't work, so hopefully that means they know what's going on. I will call each of you as soon as I get out of this. I love you both.
Reading it over, I knew it sounded like a goodbye. As much as I didn't want to worry them, I didn't know if this was something I'd get out of.
"Now what?" Diana asked as she passed her phone to Paul.
Nick crossed his arms and gave the three of us a stern look.
"Now, we wait."
Advertisement
- In Serial60 Chapters
Infamous
Bain wants to be a hero. Heroes and villains alike battle daily around Centropolis. Behind the scenes, reputation boosting, biases, and politics runs rampant among both sides. The few heroes who truly want to do good are shoved under the bus in a mad struggle for fame. Bain wants to be a hero. There's just one problem. He's a monster. The first eleven tracks of the original Infamous OST are out now. They can also be found on my Discord.
8 318 - In Serial38 Chapters
Extinction
Extinction is a story filled with action and adventure. A story that starts here in the present day - and that takes us on a journey through time to 67 million years ago. Extinction is the story of the fight to save humanity and our future. Extinction is a story of time travel, aliens, dinosaurs, robots - and Eddie Murphy!
8 210 - In Serial22 Chapters
Queen of the Hill
Howdy there, partner. I'm so glad you've stumbled upon this story of mine. It's a bit of an experiment I've always wanted to try: writing a female protagonist people would enjoy reading. Of course, my amazing writing skills and epic prose won't be enough to convince you, so I've composed a list that'll prove just how much you'll love Daphne: 1. She has that good ol' Southern hospitality 2. She knows a lot of Southern Slang 3. SHE'S A MOTHER TRUCKIN' DRAGON I dunno about you, but I'd like to read a story where a young, Southern woman gets reincarnated as a hill dragon and has to fight vicious fairies, handsome dwarves, and plants that make you sneeze assisted by only her wits and a very passive-aggressive system that sends her weird emoticons. But hey. That's just me. Give it a chance! Tarnation Station is coming and there's absolutely nothing you can do to stop it! So why don't you hop on and enjoy the ride?
8 155 - In Serial15 Chapters
Cautious Of The Intruder
I sat on my porch as the world changed around me. Until an old acquaintance forced me into the open. Now I have no choice but to take part in my fate. For the first time in a long time, I find myself enjoying life. cover art by gej302
8 63 - In Serial8 Chapters
The Millennial In Another World
A sudden tremor brings the NEET Sung Jae and his bullies to a world unbeknownst to them, thrusting them with the task of protecting and saving Elgia, the empire within the new world. However, Sung Jae isn't going to start playing hero anytime soon and seeks to carve out his very own path in a strange, magical land.
8 205 - In Serial35 Chapters
The boy next door \ javon Walton
Two young actors meet and they both are next door neighbors what's the worst that can happen. Started:March 13 2022Finished: June 22 2022I do not own any of the characters except for Sophie Anthony lilly liza and Derek
8 179