In Our Words Canadians Reading Together

“Maybe we are both overreacting”, I say with a smile and we both relax a little.

“Maybe I can explain why I have been acting so strange”, he says. “ I am on my way to a safety meeting to give a speech on safety in the workplace and I am so scared. It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken in front of a large group of people and I can’t help remembering something that happened many years ago. When I was in grade five, I was asked to tell the rest of the class my favourite Christmas story from memory. Well, when I stood up in front of the class, my mind went blank. I couldn’t remember a thing. All of my classmates started to laugh and I just wanted to run away. Ever since then, I have been terrified of speaking to a big group. I keep thinking of what happened all those years ago and I just know I will freeze up. That’s why I am so nervous and tense.”

I smile and say, “I am sure you will remember everything today if and when we get out of here. I was supposed to meet a friend for lunch and now I think it will be supper instead!”

We both share a laugh and reassure each other that someone will soon realize that the elevator is stuck and come to help us. We hear a noise and realize it is someone calling out to us. I answer to tell them that we are OK. Suddenly the elevator door opens and we discover that we are in between floors. We have to climb out very carefully. My new friend climbs out first and then turns to pull me up as well. People gather all around us to make sure we are all right. In the confusion, I lose sight of the man who has shared this adventure. We end up going our separate ways and I realize that we never exchanged names. I wonder if I will ever see the mystery man again.