cause for concern

I stood in the elevator lobby for about 10 seconds before I heard the first "ding" announcing the arrival of an elevator. I shifted my weight towards the source of the sound. Then a second "ding" chimed from the opposite elevator. I hesitated, then on impulse, though the doors for the second lift opened a second later than the first, I entered the second elevator. Once inside, I turned to look at the empty elevator across the lobby, and I was seized by a (I swear I am not making this up) completely irrational pang of regret at the sight of the forlorn elevator. I actually thought, "I'm sorry" as the doors to my lift closed and the empty elevator disappeared from view.

As I ascended to the 13th floor, I did take a moment to reflect on my disturbing thought. But even as I branded myself at utterly ridiculous, the doors opened again and as I left the elevator I couldn't help but look nervously across the way again, to the closed doors of my rejected elevator, as though it might have followed me upstairs to once again open its doors in dissapointment, and give me a look like a dog left tied in the yard during a rainstorm.