It’s a little discomforting when you learn of a fire in your building via a text message from a friend who isn’t even in the building at the time!
My friend, Katie, while at her Thursday ritual “Trivia Night” (I even almost caved and went along this time, despite my distaste for the venue and the fact that no one wants to have a conversation since they’re engulfed in the Questions of Useless Knowledge) texted me to let me know that there may be a fire in the building.
Apparently, there was a fire on the 11th floor (I reside on the 4th). So, my friend Jason (7th floor) and I decided maybe it’d be best to meet in the stairwell and head downstairs to go outside, just in case.
On our way out, whilst smoke wafted up our nostrils, we encountered several firefighters and some hotel workers in the hallway and stairwell – not a one of them urging evacuation whatsoever – in English OR Korean. Not a word. I sarcastically toyed with them, “Hey buddies: shall we inform any of the other patrons that they might want to evacuate the building?”
The sounds of gushing water whistled in our ears. It turned out to be coming from the elevator shaft. I guess we’ll be hoofing it for a while. Not so bad for me, being on the 4th floor, but 'good luck' to any old fogies in the suites, way up top.
Outside, a guy whose room was 3 floors directly beneath the one containing the fire, shared his experience with us: “I just happened to look out my window, and a guy on a crane motioned for me to get out. I didn’t hear any alarms or announcements or anything.” Yeah… ditto, pal. I didn’t have a friendly wave from a lurking Craneman, but ‘glad you did.
Firetrucks solicited attention. Silent firemen went about their business, rolling and unrolling water hoses. When they rolled it up one last time, I figured they were finished playing Fireman for the day, so Jason and I chatted a bit outside then decided to head back in.
The bitter stench would indicate to the Clueless that it wasn’t a typical day at the Co-Op. (Which, by the way, means “Nose Up” or “Up Nose” which I find humorous because it seems like “Stuck Up." Which, it ISN'T. :) )
Before all this happened, I was in the comfort of my box, with Tracy Lawrence crooning, “Time Marches On.” I was answering essay questions for a teaching application, off in my own little world – and even though everything turned out fine – I’m glad I saw the flashing light on my cell phone, informing me of possible imminent danger. What is comforting to know is that someone cared enough to save me from flames. Ha. :)
Yes, Mr. Lawrence, time does, indeed, march on…Unless, of course, you happen to be in a building that burns down and no one even considers telling you about it.
P.S. Katie always jacks with me, so, of course I had to take full advantage of the situation and tell her that all patrons were informed that they need to stay at a hotel down the street for the night, and also take all of their belongings with them. Poor Katie. :) ... She sends me a heads-up message to save my life, and I send her a mean prank. How can I live with myself? lol :D
She called me, moments later, freaking out - and before going to a quiet place to call me back, she had already announced to the entire group that they were gonna have to get their stuff out of the Stuck-Up Hotel, and move hotels for the night.
She called me the C-word, even. Ouch. lol.
That's how rumors get started... Because of C-words, like me.
:D haha
'Night, all.
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