There I was, reaching without thinking to the spot that I could navigate to with closed eyes. My hands felt nothing. Well nothing that felt like what I was reaching for. My eyes flew opened. No! At least there’s a backup. My fingers reached up into the cavernous recess in search of the backup roll. Came up empty. Well not entirely. I felt the cardboard rollers that once were embraced by two-ply toilet paper. Noooo! Just when I needed it most! What do I do now?
I sat there, in my work’s washroom, thinking about my next move. I will just hobble over to the other stall and grab some. I just hope I don’t get caught. Just when I was about to put my plan into action, the door opened. Please just pee and leave, I thought to myself. But the intruder opened up the door to the vacant stall next to mine and made himself at home. While I waited, I browsed Facebook and Instagram. I made myself at home too. My pants were still down to my ankle but my work in there was over. Long over.
After what seemed like an eternity, I heard rustling. The next door neighbor taunted me with the loud sound of toilet paper rolling over the holder. Teasing me. I shut out the sound. I will wait.
I followed him with my ear. Zipper up, belt tied, flushed. Listened for the hygienic hand-washing then the sound of the door opening. It was time! Like a prisoner hobbled by shackles but still trying to escape, I made my way to the next stall and the toilet paper that awaited me. I prayed that no one would come in and no one did. I sat down, breathed a sigh of relief and helped myself to a generous amount of paper. A bum wipe never felt that good…