If this don't rip at your heart ... you ain't got one.

The Elevator

On the third floor, the stranger and I reached the elevator at the same time.
When the door opened an older gentleman stepped out. The stranger and I made way out of etiquette.
The older gentleman had on leather house slippers, cargo shorts and a polo shirt. His hat was worn and the embroidery said "US Navy, Vietnam Veteran".
As he walked by us he was pointing at the numbered doors to the business condos and saying the room number out loud. I believe he said '2300' looking around. As the stranger and I stepped on the elevator, we heard the Veteran say "Oh 3". I held the door and looked out.
He was confused.
I said "Do you need the second floor?"
He smiled and came back on the elevator.
I knew.
As we stood in silence he reached for the panel and saw that '2' had already been pushed by the stranger.
The doors clunked shut.
I looked at him and said "Thank you for your service".
The stranger acknowledged as well.
The Vet said "You're welcome" with a smile.
The doors opened one floor down and he shuffled out reciting room numbers and pointing as he went.
I could hear him as the door started to close.
My hand stopped the door and I leaned out. "Are you all set?"
"Yes, Here it is, pointing at where he was going"
The door shut and I said to the stranger, "Sorry about that", meaning I held the door.
He replied "Not a problem at all"
I said "I watched my Dad go through dementia and early alzheimers"
He replied " I completely understand"
It was dusty in the elevator as the doors opened to the lobby.
"Have a good week" I said and he bid me the same.
It's dusty again, here, now.
Somewhere, out there,  A Vietnam Vet, someone's Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather, loved one,
is slipping away.
The salt mine calls.

https://theferalirishman.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-elevator.html