Lock down

The booming voice on the microphone became muffled as I shut the bathroom door behind me. My heart was racing in my chest and it took everything in me to not have a complete and utter breakdown.

I walked over to the sink and turned on the cold water. As I looked in the mirror I hardly recognized the person staring back at me. My face was pale with beads of sweat trickling down my hairline. “Seriously man, get a grip“, I said to the pathetic reflection staring back at me.

I knew I only had a few more minutes before they were going to begin the awards ceremony and I wanted to make sure I was in my seat before they dimmed the lights. Tonight was the culmination of my life’s work and I was not going to miss my big moment. Countless hours of research, days upon days away from my family, holed up in my office till I found the ‘perfect’ chemical combination. Tonight, the ultimate prize was mine.

I quickly splashed some water on my face and turned off the faucet. When I turned to grab a hand towel I heard the distinct sound of a dead bolt sliding into place.

Well that’s weird, I thought as I tossed my crumpled towel in the garbage can. I quickly ran my hand through my hair and straightened my tie. Now’s my time to shine!

I pulled on the door handle but the door didn’t budge. I tugged and yanked with all my might, but each time my pull was met with resistance. “What the……”  I began frantically tugging at the door handle. What is going on? Why won’t this door open??

Outside I heard the ceremony music begin to play. NO! This can’t be happening! I began to pound on the door. “Help! Somebody please help me!”

The music was too loud and was drowning out my pleas and I was sure everyone was already back in their seats. How could this be happening? Why now? After everything I have done to get here.

I turned and slid my back down the door till I hit the floor with a thud. As I rested my head in my hands I heard the president our company begin his introduction – MY introduction. I sat and listened as he went on and on about my research, my discoveries, my progress for the human race. When he announced my name it was welcomed with silence, or at least I thought. His next words hit me like a punch in the groin. “Since Jack had to leave unexpectedly and will unable to accept his award this evening, his assistant Tim has graciously offered to accept on his behalf.”

And with that, everything became clear.

For the IndieInk Writing Challenge this week, Trencher challenged me with “A character is locked in a bathroom at the worst possible time. ” and I challenged Melissa with “Create a story or poem inspired by a line in a Charles Bukowski poem: “some suicides are never recorded.”".