Rachel was pulled up through the service elevator, it took some time to return as the elevator moved at quite a slow pace. Mark tried to look around for water until the elevator was back again. The place was scavenged and dirty. The walkers kept the lot entertained with fear, still banging on the door and windows.
Mark finally looked below the counter and found a small bottle of water, half full. He smiled in relief and took it, tugging it in his jacket, alongside the expired milk he found in the gas station. The elevator arrived. He quickly tried to fit himself into the container, but he was a bit too bulky to fit in. He examined the shaft, it was bigger than the container and it could fit him. Pulling out the elevator using his wrench to unscrew the bolts, Mark quickly pulled off the elevator and cut the rope from the wheel mechanism.
Mark stepped into the damp shaft and pulled the rope a few times, making sure it can carry his weight, but he realized it was on a pulley system so someone had to catch it from above. One of the walkers pushed off a chair, and now one of the windows was exposed. Mark quickly let go of the rope and climbed through the shaft by resting his back on one end and pulling himself up with his legs. Not the most comfortable ascend.
Mark finally reached the second floor, he stepped out of the shaft, Rachel was talking to the guy. Mark initially avoided them and walked over to the older man and sat against the wall. Exhaling in relief.