Ladies Toilet

In the morning I had to go someplace to manage a few things. It was quite early and after a few cups of tea went to the toilet to take a leak. I was quite sleepy and yawning - that what happens when you sleep late and wake up too early. I had only about 4 ½ hours sleep which may be enough for others but definitely not for me. I need at least 6 hours deep sleep if I am to perform at my optimum.

Anyway, as I was doing my job, I noticed the colour of the tiles were pink. “Stupid colour- like a girl's toilet," I thought.

Then it suddenly hit me. I was immediately alert and all traces of sleep left me: “Was this the ladies toilet?”

I am sure that the sign on the door was like the usual one used to represent a man. Or was I?

I was about to rush out when I heard someone entering. This was definitely not my day. I quickly went back to the stall and waited, listening carefully. They were definitely women. Oh shit! What have I gotten myself into. They were talking about something irrelevant but I can’t recall what.

It was quite cool today, after yesterday’s rain but I was sweating like an ox in heat.

What if they discovered a guy was hiding in the toilet. They would think that I was peeping tom. Would they accept my explanation? Several negative images passed before my eyes - of me getting kicked out of my comfortable job, people pointing fingers at me, etc., what would my parents think? Would my wife believe me.

Then I pulled myself together. I would wait it out and slip out after the women left. A few minutes (seemed like hours) passed but these women were not leaving. They kept on talking about their families, children, and other random stuff. Please go outside and talk. I would think that a stinky toilet is not a conducive place for conversation but I guess I am wrong. And it seemed like they were going from one cubicle to another, flushing them. When they reached mine and they tried to open it – I gave a little cough, trying to sound as feminine as possible. I think they were quite shocked as one of them let out a curse – something in Kedah slang. After that I heard them leaving the toilet. I gave it about 2 minutes before rushing out of the cubicle, out the door without even washing my hands.

Waiting outside were these 2 “mak ciks” – giving me a strange look and smiling. They were the cleaning ladies. I don’t know why but I was slightly relieved. They apologized saying, “Maaf Encik” “we didn’t know you were inside.” I was puzzled and looked back at the door…..



It had been one of the most terrifying moments of my life but I was actually IN THE GENTS.

After the wave of relief, I alternatively felt foolish and angry - with myself, with the as------ who had designed this toilet (everyone knows pink is for girls and blue is for guys) and to people who let mak ciks clean gents’ toilets.