CLOWN IN THE ELEVATOR
September 5, 2017 @hellofinah
When the elevator door opened, a clown stood inside, holding a popped red balloon dangling from a black string. I didnโt move, and the door began to close. The clown stuck out a giant, red shoe, stopping the door. His eyes glowed neon yellow against the thick, white face paint. โGoing down?โ
โIโllโฆuh, Iโll take the next one.โ
He moved to his right, making room. A rainbow of rubber confetti fully covered the floor, inches deep.
โGet on.โ
Swallowing hard, I stepped inside. When the door slid shut, it felt like a casket closing, and we began our descent.
The clown gestured to the millions of colorful pieces of rubber. โBalloons pop.โ
โI see.โ
The clown shook his head slowly. โYou donโt. You will soon. Tell me a joke?โ
I took in a deep breath, held it, thinking. โI donโt know anyโฆ I bet you want me to tell a joke?โ
The clown bared his teeth. He stepped toward me, and I backed against the wall. โWhat makes you think I know any jokes? Do I look like a clown to you?โ
โIโฆIโฆโ
โRelax. Have a balloon.โ Lightning fast, he pulled an orange balloon to his lips, blew into it, then tied a gold string around the end. Smiling, he handed it to me.
The elevator doors opened. โTh-thanks,โ I muttered, running for the building exit.
โItโll pop,โ the clown said, waving comedically as the door slid closed. โWhen it does, youโll see me again.โ
The massive balloon floated as if filled with helium. I ran home in terror, knowing it wouldnโt be long before the clown came to collect.