As I read this, my legs were turning to jello. I was with you girl- know how you feel. And mine was only 2 floors. I don't know if how I would feel after 19 floors. But, I'd probably do the same- get right back on.
The elevators are so old in the Courthouse, the summer weather makes them act up. I can tell by the way the door opens and whether the floor lines up right whether or not it's ready to "take a break". Luckily, 1 time I was able to trick it and get it to open on a floor, got off, then took the steps.
I don't have a fear of elevators, but my girlfriend suffered a back injury when she was caught in a stuck one between floors, Someone tried to pull her up through the open doors and dropped her. She landed on her back and has had problems for several years now.
(Do you think this was a reason for you to go have a Starbuck's?)