She banged on the door, hoping for some sign of life, but the hallway remained eerily quiet.


    It was lunchtime, and employees were probably resting or out, with little chance of anyone stumbling upon her predicament.


    She cursed herself for picking this secluded restroom, trying to dodge the gossip in the first ce.


    Frustration rising, Dulcie reached for her phone only to find there was no signal.


    Great.


    She had no choice but to wait.


    Half an hour passed painfully slowly.


    Dulcies situation felt increasingly ridiculous. Knocking on the door again, she called out, but still nothing.


    As she racked her brain for another way out, a sudden ssh of cold water gushed through the small window above the door, drenching her from head to toe.


    Her hair stuck to her face, her thin clothes clung to her skin, and the cold seeped into her bones, making her shudder uncontrobly.


    Hugging herself, she felt her eyes sting with tears.


    The situation had gone from bad to worse.


    Shivering, she reached for her phone again, praying for a signal.


    Finally, a few bars appeared.


    But while scrolling through her contacts, the sad reality hit her.


    There wasnt anyone she could call a friend at work. The only person who might help was Kourtney, but she was out sick.


    Thest person she wanted to call was Kyson.


    That left only one option: Kurt.


    She hesitated, chewing on her lip, but in the end, she hit the call button.


    Whats wrong? As soon as he picked up, Kurts voice was filled with concern.


    Can youe to the restroom on the 21st floor, east side? Ive been locked in, she exined, trying to keep her voice steady.


    Got it.


    Ill be there right away. He didnt waste a second, hanging up as soon as he finished speaking.


    Leaning against the cold, tiled wall, Dulcie wrapped her arms around herself, trying to stop her teeth from chattering.


    The restrooms venttion only exacerbated the chill, and the wait seemed endless.


    When Kurt finally arrived, the first thing he noticed was the water seeping out from under the door.


    The lock had been maliciously taped shut, making it impossible to open from the inside.


    Without wasting any more time, he called a maintenance worker to pry the door open.


    As the door swung open, Dulcie almost thought she was dreaming.


    She stumbled out, looking like shed just survived a monsoon.