Button Pusher

No one notices me. My job is worthless.

“4th floor.”

I nod compliantly and press the button. There are only seven. A kindergartner could do this.

“Top floor.”

“Right away, sir.”

I hate my life. Elevator operator? At least fast food places get free french fries. I’m a button pusher.

“Lobby, please.”

Hey, she said please. Such a simple act of kindness. Maybe today isn’t so bad.

“Certainly, maam.”

I stare at the glowing digits as we speed toward earth. Her “please” made me smile.

“Hey, how was your day today?”

I am unprepared. No one ever notices me. I say the first thing that pops into my mind.

“Oh, you know… it’s had its ups and downs.”

I laugh at myself and look back to see if the cleverness of my joke had registered with her.

She’s on the phone.

Fuck my life.

It is worth less than minimum wage.