Close Encounter

A very close encounter indeed. Few months ago, I had ignored Niki's terrified complaints of having spotted a rat in the bathroom. Of course, we believed her. But, then we thought she was over reacting. Not anymore.

A few minutes ago, I had a rush encounter with one myself. We came in late after a social visit. It was just about getting fresh and hitting the bed. Little did I know that I would be shitting in my pants when I went only to pee.

Things happened so quickly that I might not have a very smooth narrative for you. I went into the bathroom. Switched on the light. My journey from the switchboard to the commode was a peaceful one! It was then that we saw each other. He must have been lurking right around the packets of detergent and bath soaps right in front of the bathroom window and right below the exhaust fan - yes it is the exhaust fan that is their doorway into our home.

We both panicked - I am guessing I must've panicked more. He tried to make his way back out of through the exhaust fan. Little must he have known that the light and the fan switch on together. He banged himself against the fan and fell on the ground. My brave self had already taken 2 steps back near the door of the bathroom clueless. I must have been grabbing the handle of the door - its only a guess though!

We both were looking to run. I guess in this millisecond, I gathered some courage and I stood there watching where would it go next. He escaped right by me outside the bathroom. I must have jumped and yelled a little bit. He tried to make his way to the living room. I shut the door quickly only to have my dad wake up. He was calling me probably to check what's going on. But his were only vague sounds in the background.

He charged back into the bathroom. By this time, I guess, my brain must have stopped functioning. Panic had overridden all other emotions. All I had to do was to shut the door of the bathroom and declare to everyone who was awake that he might still be in there.