Leonardo

You and Leonard disliked each other from day one.

He lived on the floor below and played loud music almost every night. When asked to turn it down, he only smirked:

— If you don’t like it, move.

Thus began your little war. He turned up the music, and you, coming home late, deliberately walked around the apartment in heels.

You didn't say hello on the stairs and were silent in the elevator.

One evening, you met at the elevator. You had already pressed the floor button when Leonard managed to get in.

— You couldn’t even wait?

— You could use the stairs.

The elevator jerked to a stop. The lights went out, the buttons stopped working.

You tried to open the door, but nothing worked. Your breathing was ragged, your heart was beating too fast, your fingers were shaking.

• Hey. What's wrong?

“I can’t…” you exhaled.

— Are you having a seizure?

— I have claustrophobia.

For the first time, Leonard looked at you with concern. He came closer and gently placed his hands on your shoulders.

— Look at me. Breathe. Inhale… exhale.