In my usual starbucks, I was sitting and writing when Mother Nature knocked. Well she actually started with a light tap- a slight tummy gurgle and a vague feeling of discomfort. I have fairly good body control so I ignored her. I had to get my story done while the dream was still fresh in my mind.

Less than a minute later she had raised the stakes and knocked HARD. In Star Trek terms I had gone from yellow alert to red alert and if I waited much longer, my only option would be damage control. Pressure in the interior was over-powering my self control. The story could wait! Bathroom now!

I made it with a full second to spare.

My body was still in the middle of transactions with the porcelein terminal when a knock sounded at the door. As I responded with a “Yeah, I’m here,” the door handle jiggled. I guess I should expect as much living in the instant gratification culture.

The bathroom is more than just a place for dirty business for me, it is my sanctuary, and I hate to be disturbed while I am inside.