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There Are Neither Paper Towels Nor a Trash Can Near the Door of This Public Restroom
How will I escape? Tell my family I love them.
There is no easy way out. That much is clear. The only door to this public restroom has a “pull” handle at the exit — the kind that’s meant for some poor creature to grab with their own hand. A bare hand, it seems.
Upon first entering this place, I could’ve sworn I spotted a paper towel dispenser near the sink, but apparently — no. There’s an air dryer. I turn from that unholy spray can of germs and glance down to see if the door has one of those little metal extensions that you can use to open it with your foot. It doesn’t.
Goosebumps prickle the back of my neck. I’m stranded and alone. Will I ever see my loved ones again? Also, I’m in the middle of bingeing two different TV shows. I can’t afford to be stuck here forever.
It stings to know I entered this place of my own choosing. Believe it or not, I thought it would be worthwhile not to pee my pants. I’ll get in, get out — bing, bang, boom! No big deal. How naïve that thinking was.
I check my cell phone, but it’s nearly dead, and I don’t have a charger on me. With such limited resources, I weigh next steps. My options seem twofold: remain on this deserted island, stranded without so much as a book to help me pass the time, or, alternately, try to MacGyver some way to open that door. The second option would be ideal if it worked, but if I fail… I shudder to think of the consequences.
My eyes burn from emotion (or the smell of urine — hard to tell!). At some point, a search party will set out for me, but when? I contemplate using the last of my cell battery to text an SOS, but I have to wonder… Do I want friends and family to look for me in this dreadful place? I could easily put them in danger, too. They might see that outside restroom sign and think, You know, I kinda do have to go. They could walk inside and let the door slam behind them unthinkingly just as I did.
No. However bad my situation is, it is mine to bear. Thoughts of my family, friends, and dependents make me realize I have no choice — not really. I must find a way out of this public restroom. I cannot let my cat grow up without an owner!
