Threes Company

Yesterday evening, we decided to take the kids to the park.

After much swinging and sliding, Josh needed to use the restroom. After only seconds, I saw him walking back towards me with that sheepish grin I love.

"Someone beat me to it", he said. I wondered how that happened, since his legs are at least ten feet longer than the average Joe's. I have seen him walk at a brisk pace to avoid doing diaper duty, or conversation after church. I know he can move.

Anyway.

We headed towards the courts a while later and by that time I had to use the restroom.

*Not the actual restroom, as evidenced by the fact that it is actually, um, clean.

Standing outside, the smell was already wafting from underneath the door. I tried to open the door. Locked.

Wondering if perhaps the restrooms were closed for the evening, I turned to leave and heard shuffling of feet.

I waited a few minutes and knocked again.

More shuffling of feet.

Silence.

At this point, I was intrigued.

I stood outside the door and heard walking back and forth, and then the water. When I am waiting to go to the bathroom, I always give a sigh of relief when the water comes on. It signals that the person using the restroom is almost finished, and it will be my turn shortly.

More shuffling of feet, then silence.

A brief rustling of paper towels, and then the water was back on.

At this point, my patience was running out. I was unsure why anyone would subject themselves, for any extended period of time, in such a stinky place.

I turned and caught Josh's eye across the playground. He motioned with his arms what was going on.

Heck if I knew.

Then the hand dryer turned on.

Enough with the washing of the hands, I thought. I know this is a public restroom and all, but come on.

I thought of knocking for the third time when a girl, about 14, opened the door. She was very pretty, but wore a guilty look. She tried to brush her hair over her face as she passed.

It only took two more seconds to realize why.

Out came Blond Hair Little Man {that had beat Josh earlier} , with a cat-like smirk across his face.

Just as I was processing that whole scenario, Smaller Dark Hair boy walks out behind him, laughing. None of them were over the age of 16.

I won't speculate as to what was going on in that bathroom, because I honestly do not know. I will say this. As she walked hand and hand out of the park exit, a huge part of me was saddened and wanted to chase after them and tell her she deserves better.