She sensed the tremors beneath her feet, clutching the railing tightly as she took in a deep breath. Thoughts raced through her mind, „This is it. Finally securing a job that matched her qualifications, finding an ideally located apartment at a reasonable rent, even leaving behind the flaky guy who wouldn’t call the next day. And now, as she ceased her daily indulgence and refrained from bombarding him with messages, focusing instead on showering and arriving punctually at her new job—what an unexpected twist of fate, an infuriating earthquake!“
With closed eyes, she held fast to the sturdy railing, cautiously proceeding to the next step. The ground shook again, this time with even greater intensity. She found herself standing, straddling two steps—one foot on the higher, the other on the lower.
„How ironic! Why torment me so? I’m making an effort, for heaven’s sake!“ she exclaimed, her gaze piercing through the shattered glass toward the heavens.
Amidst the ensuing panic, neighboring residents hurriedly fled toward the safety of the ground floor. She, however, stood transfixed at the pinnacle of the five-story staircase. „Come with me, dear. Fear not,“ I reassured her.
I grasped her trembling hand, but my efforts to guide her proved futile. „Listen, perhaps this earthquake isn’t as menacing as it appears from our lofty vantage point. Let us descend to safety,“ I implored, gently tugging at her hand.
„No!“ she resolutely declared.
„Very well. If you choose not to accompany me, then I shall remain by your side. However, should the edifice crumble, the lives of two souls shall lie squarely on your shoulders,“ I conveyed with unwavering resolve.
„You fail to comprehend! Depart this instant and desist from perturbing me, for if the building remains intact, you shall be held accountable for harassment. I shall promptly alert the authorities,“ she threatened.
„So be it! Report me, if you so desire. Given the prevailing circumstances, there exists a significant probability of the building’s collapse,“ I retorted, seating myself on the step directly beneath her.
„You are a fool! A complete imbecile!“ she bellowed.
„And you, my dear, are likewise bereft of reason,“ I calmly responded.
Neighbor Figo, the venerable locksmith, descended the staircase at a leisurely pace, discreetly winding his pocket watch. Gently securing it within his pocket, he gracefully ran his fingers along the length of the chain on which the timepiece dangled.
„Taking a respite, are we, neighbor?“ he inquired as he passed by.
„Indeed, briefly catching my breath. Off to work, are you?“ I queried.
„Yes, indeed. By the way, a matter weighs heavily on my mind, neighbor. Our mutual acquaintance, Tamara, informed me that you had promised remuneration for the upkeep of the communal areas. Alas, she claims that you have yet to fulfill your pledge. Would you kindly rectify this oversight?“ he requested, his voice brimming with composure.
„The communal areas? Goodness me! Before long, the entire structure may cease to exist!“ she interjected sharply.
„Pray, neighbor, remain composed. Debts are debts. We all experience unease when indebted, especially those who vouch for others, much like myself, who have assumed responsibility for our esteemed young neighbor,“ Figo tranquilly articulated.
„Fear not, for I shall settle the debt forthwith. How much do I owe?“ I inquired.
„Twenty dollars,“ he promptly responded, without any reference to outdated currency.
Withdrawing twenty dollars from my pocket, I tendered the sum to Figo, who graciously expressed his gratitude before proceeding on his descent.
„How exasperating you can be, my dear,“ I muttered under my breath.
„You are all deranged! Every last one of you!“ she exclaimed in exasperation.
„Then, by all means, depart! Behold the staircase that lies before you—descend, if you must,“ I responded dismissively.
„Rest assured, I shall heed your advice. Farewell, you imbecile,“ she declared, her voice resonating as she descended the stairs.
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