I felt dizzy. Looking at the clock, it read 9:45pm. I had been writing for three straight hours. Back in touch with my reality, I was suddenly very aware of the need to pee.

A group of people blocked my view as I tried to see if the bathroom was occupied. Finally, one of them swayed just enough for me to see the light in the space between floor and door.

Figuring it was better to get into line now, before I was forced into a horrible “pissing myself” position, I ambled toward the crowd. A young hispanic girl, caught my eye. Her shirt had a winking smiley face with text that read, “Hello, boys!” I appreciated the sentiment almost as much as the friendly curves beneath it.

Behind her the bathroom light vanished and an old man strolled out, exiting the Starbucks so quickly, it seemed like one fluid motion. As I approached, the crowd parted with startling precision, creating an aisle and taking up guard-like positions against wall and counter.

Clearly, the universe had decreed that the time to pee was nigh!