By: V. Astor Solomon.

Nobody notices when the doors take a moment too long to open, not unless they’re in a hurry. When they press the button and the numbers flicker before the elevator starts to move, no one says anything either.

They don’t know how badly the doors want to stay shut, how even as they rise and fall, it’s done in reluctance.

Because I hate seeing people leave. I hate the way they rush away from me, never looking back, never wondering who they’re leaving behind.

I want them to stay. I want to hold someone with me just a little longer.

© 2025. V. Astor Solomon

V. Astor Solomon writes short speculative fiction, sometimes in the span of an elevator ride. They’ve had work in various places and you can find those links, a weekly recommendations newsletter, and their social media at howsweetthewords.com.

Posted December 17, 2025.