Episode 260 : The 'alarum'

It is a day at work like any other.

The sounds of keys being punched on keyboards.

Murmurs as small groups of people discuss technical aspects of their work in low voices.

Slightly louder voices of people speaking on phones.

Laughter from the pantry.

And then... the sound of a siren, followed by loud beeping.

It is the fire alarm.

People look up and around them. There is no sign of fire anywhere. Still confused and hesitant, they hang on at their places. But their minds are busy charting the escape route in their heads...

The fire exit is near the pantry... the shortest route to the pantry is down the aisle... I am two desks away from the aisle... the aisle intersects with another after the conference room... possible chance of a collision... must watch out...

The beeping gets louder, turning into an assault on the ears.

Movements are hurried.

Mobile phone... check!

House keys... check!

ID card... check!

Lock drawers... check!

Oh yes, save work... CHECK!

Five minutes have passes since the alarm went off. Anxiety gets thicker in the air. All are about to make a dash to the fire exit...

The alarm stops.

People stop dead in their tracks and look around. Then they look at each other and grin.

Yet another false alarm.

Sniggers and suppressed laughter follow because every one knows what will happen next.

The speakers crackle as a male voice says...

'Ladies and gentleman, please do not panic. This is a false fire alarum. Please do not panic, please remain in your seats. This is a false fire alarum. Please do not panic...'