I have been riding hospital elevators for over 30 years. I didn’t do this for fun or because I possess some type of “vator” fetish. I have worked in hospitals for over 30 years.
I’ve not only ridden internal hospital elevators but also external elevators. In more cases than not these elevators carry people who have parked their automobile, motorcycle, and sometimes bicycle in a large ominous looking structure adjacent to a hospital.. These folks frequently go from one floor to the next with a blank stare trying to find their vehicle. The dysphoria created by the spaciousness and lack of familiarity with the cavernous concrete lots that house the elevators compound the spookiness of the contraptions’ themselves. Now throw in the anxiety that most people have visiting their physician, or loved one who may be infirmed and you have one big “phobia”.
Today I was in one of those lots and found two women wondering around talking to each other pointing as if each auto they were pointing to could be, but wasn’t, their own.
“I think that’s it”
“No it’s a Nissan, but its not the right color”
“How bout that one?”
“Yes…..no that’s not it. It’s a Toyota”
“What floor were we on?”
“I didn’t look when we left the lot and got on the elevator”
“I always do that and then end up feeling so stupid”
After observing this for a moment or two I offered gallant assistance.
“Did you ladies lose your car?”
Blank stares at me and fearful stares at each other.
