Trouble in Paradise

Water everywhere...but not a drop to flush.

Part One

Our vacation has been going beautifully, Hallmark moments back-to-back. Then yesterday morning, as I rose from bed at my customary ungodly hour, Sam murmured there’s no water.

Water is necessary for hydration, brushing your teeth, showering. Then, there’s water’s job one for me: handling number two, by which I mean not pee.

Sam called the listed Airbnb emergency numbers and there was no answer. I had loaded the coffeemaker the night before, so I drank coffee and tried to write, but did I mention I drank coffee? I know the consequences but I need coffee to function, both mentally and now we’re back to number two.

I prayed for the robustness of the bathroom exhaust fan.

Part Two

As it turned out, there had been a planned water shut-off from 12 am to 8 am that no one told us about.  

I was going to delete what I’d written previously and write something that made me look better, but opted to refrain from self-censorship. I’m putting it out there. I suck in emergency situations, real or perceived. I would like to say I’m working on it, but I’m not.

Apologies to Sam, who of his own free will went into the bathroom after me. He was stoic, but I imagined him staggering out and saying “The horror! The horror!” an homage I think Conrad would have found appropriate. Kudos to water, for all it does to give life and maintain dignity. And now, I’m back to business as usual.