There's a Floor in My Apartment Building That Doesn't Exist by The Vesper's Bell

In a worn apartment building that doesn't have a 13th floor, there is a floor that exists anyway. The elevators sometimes stop at the exact top of the dial, between floors three and four, and open onto a hallway that has no physical space in the building. The superintendent briefs every new resident on what to do. There is a list of ten rules posted inside the elevator. The narrator calls it the dead floor.

The rules are precise. When the elevator stops at the third and a half floor, do not push any buttons before turning off the lights at the end of the hall. Each button you press reduces the time you have. Walk briskly to the opposite end of the hall, leaving your belongings in the elevator. Do not look out the windows or into any mirrors. Do not look into peepholes. Do not approach any apartment with an open door. Do not respond to sounds or voices. If you hear something behind you, do not stop or turn around until you hear a door shut. At the end of the hall, read the bulletin board and sign the form. Set the pendulum clock to within three and a half minutes of local time. Turn the thermostat dial to match the actual temperature. Turn the dimmer switch until the hall lights are completely out. Then, so long as nothing is behind you, turn around and return to the elevator. Do not turn around once inside until the doors close. If the ritual is completed correctly, the doors