Her bladder decides for her.

She bit her lip and shifted in place, one leg crossing over the other. Her bladder gave a sharp twinge.

The decision was made for her.

There was no way she was making it to the car. She had to pee now.

Gripping her purse tightly, Winona crept to the door and opened it just a crack. She leaned into the gap and peeked left, then right. Silence. Empty hallway.

Now or never.

With a deep breath, she slipped out of the room and broke into a full sprint.

Winona’s bare feet pattered softly across the tiled hallway as she darted through the building, her arm clamped tightly over her chest and her purse awkwardly shielding her front. Each step felt like a countdown against her bladder and her dignity.

Where’s the bathroom? Come on, think, think—

She knew she’d passed one earlier, but in the blur of her rushed arrival, she couldn’t pin down exactly where it was. Anxiety clouded her mind, each corridor looking the same. The sterile white walls, framed magazine covers, and soft hum of fluorescent lights all seemed to blend together.

So far, she hadn’t seen a soul. A small miracle. But her luck wouldn’t hold out forever.

As she reached the end of the hallway, she slowed, cautiously approaching a corner. Just as she reached the edge, voices drifted around from the other side—casual conversation, approaching.

Her heart leapt to her throat. No no no—

With no time to think, Winona threw herself at the nearest door. Her hand fumbled with the handle, thankfully finding it unlocked. She yanked it open and slipped inside, shutting it quietly behind her and pressing her back against it, holding her breath.

Silence. Then laughter passed by on the other side, fading into the distance.

(Note: This chapter was made with the help of ChatGPT.)