The Soup on the Lift

Hot soup slid across a tray when our office lift lurched to a stop. Three coworkers were trapped between floors, with their lunch trays tilting dangerously. Instead of forcing the doors, the cleaner called maintenance and waited nearby. Once technicians opened the doors safely, she steadied the trays as everyone stepped out. Technicians found a loose sensor, replaced it, then tested the lift repeatedly. Since then, it has run smoothly, though its old groan still makes us pause. Keeping it helps staff move heavy deliveries, but stairs save power and add exercise. Still, carrying boxes upstairs can leave people tired before their shifts begin. Our office now uses the lift for deliveries and stairs for trips up one floor. The rescued soup became the repair crew's lunch, still warm and surprisingly level.