I like riding elevators by myself. I know it's selfish, but it brings a tiny smile to my face when I push the call button, the elevator arrives promptly and the doors open to reveal an empty cab. Riding solo is a luxury. It's a peaceful express ride. There are no awkward silences or disturbing conversations. No one can invade your space. No one can overpower you with perfume or obnoxious odors. If you ride alone and there is an odd smell, it's all you.

This morning, I had a tiny smile on my face as I entered the elevator. I was just about to choose my floor when I saw a man racing for the lift. He was in his fifties, short and portly. His hair was pale red and his face was pink, likely made pinker by running. He wore tan slacks, brown loafers, a green collared shirt and a navy blue windbreaker. He also carried a black leather portfolio with yellow sheets of paper sloppily mashed inside.

At the sight of him, my smile faded. Without a second thought, I stabbed the button for my floor and repeatedly pressed the close button. He said something unintelligible as he waved his arm in the hopes that I would hold the elevator. I smirked, pretended not to hear his cries and watched the doors shut before he could reach them.

Okay, I didn't really do that, but I've seen people who have and it isn't cool.

At the sight of him, I searched frantically for the open button, but failed to find it, so I quickly set my coffee tumbler down and kept the doors open with my hand. He was somewhat out of breath as he rushed into the elevator, but managed a mild smile.

"Hi there," I said. "Which floor?"

"One, please," he gasped.

I gave him a bewildered look and said, "Wait. One? But we're on the first floor."

I don't think he liked the idea of being questioned. As the doors began to close, he shook his head and pressed the button himself. The doors sprang back open.

Confused, he asked, "What floor are we on?"

"One," I said as though I hadn't mentioned it before.

"Oh. Really? Okay," he said as he stepped off the lift. Without looking back, he shrugged and wandered away.

It was my turn to shake my head. The man must have been in some type of hurry not to realize where he was. I hope the rest of his day improves. Anyway, I picked up my coffee and pushed the button for my floor. My thoughts were so preoccupied with the perplexed man that I almost forgot that I was riding the elevator by myself. When it finally hit me, I sighed and the tiny smile returned.