My swimming nightmare

        I missed my swimming sessions for several weeks.  It was very easy to make up reasons not to do it: light rain, tiredness, no one to go with etc.  This Sunday, I was determined to swim and relax to the maximum. I got to the swimming center and checked into the changing room. I decided to lock the door with the key, since the security guards could come in at anytime.

Change of clothes, sunscreen and then a light shower. Time to take a dip, I turn the key and it won’t budge. Ok, T, try a couple more times and it should open.  All this in vain.  I realised I had locked myself in! I also noticed the lock was not solidly attached to the door at all!  To make matters worse, the entire part of the lock that the key turns fell on the other side of the door, leaving a gaping hole on the lock. Too bad I didn’t have my phone on me to call the security guards.

I tried the following in vain:

-        Shout out the guard’s name;

-        Use the key to hit an empty bottle to attract attention;

-        Make loud noises with my lips twisted to alert anyone;

I even tried visualizing the guard coming towards the changing rooms.  Occasionally I looked through the window.  I saw birds outside flying in peace and enjoying their freedom.   You really appreciate something more when it is taken away from you. When none of the above worked, I decided maybe sleep is just the way to go… So I sat on the table, supported my weight against the wall and went right into the arms of Morpheus (the Greek god of sleep).

I would get up occasionally to look around the garden if anyone was nearby, I shouted at the top of my voice, “Anyone there? I need help!”  Still no one.  After what seemed like 2 hours, I heard a lady talking with her kids.  It was the neighbor! She had come to take a walk with her kids in the gardens. Phew! Someone at last! I called her and explained what happened, she immediately alerted the guards who came over to my rescue. I had a good swim afterall and even though I spent 2 hours of precious life waiting, patience pays and you may have to sleep when you least expect it. 

Lesson learnt: always have your phone on you!