Family-less in Phily

I entered the elevator on the first floor and pressed number nine. The only other lite-up number was 22, which I assumed had been pressed by the weary-looking business man in the corner. I estimated that we would share this elevator ride for about 20 seconds. I wanted to say something, but knew our conversation would be brief:

"Wow, you're going to the top!" was the first thing that came to mind.

"It doesn't matter to me," He responded. "When you travel as often as I do it's not special."

"Oh, what do you do?"

"I'm a consultant. I travel all the time. Traveling is not glamorous. I have a wife and two kids at home." He looked sad. At this point the elevator door opened.

"I hope your trip goes well." I said, with a sympathetic smile while stepping off. He nodded, "Thanks" and the elevator door closed.