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“It’s time,” Pat said.

I was more nervous about the impromptu broadcast than the follow up with the school board meeting. Pat must’ve suspected because she kept up a nice conversation as we followed the bend in the hall.

I got on the elevator.

“I think Daniel should go back to the doctor’s office. He’s been taking too many--”

“Oh crap,” Pat said. “I left my phone. I’ll meet you down there,” she said and ran out of the elevator.

“What? Wait--”

The elevator doors closed and opened almost immediately on the next floor.

“Gummy worm?” asked the janitor.

I jumped.

He smiled, a dimple creasing in both corners of his cheeks.

“Uh, no thanks. My stomach hurts.”

Biting a gummy worm in half, he pushed his cleaning cart onto the elevator.

I tried to keep my face composed. But my heartbeat rushed into my ears and my chest felt tight, as if I would never be able to expand my ribs again. I pushed the button a few more times, willing the elevator doors to close.