Years ago I was eating at Taco Bell with a friend of mine. I got up to go to the bathroom mid meal. I knew something was off the moment I stepped into the room. A sixth sense if you will. But fuck, I had to pee. Now I tend to avoid urinals due to the splash back so I go to the first stall and push the door open. By the time the door swung open, hit the side wall and close again I saw one of the most disgusting scenes I’ve ever experienced. You know how you can take a water hose and place your finger over the top to make the water spray? Well imagine that but with explosive diarrhea. The only logical thing I could think of was the poor soul who got so close to making it on time just managed to pull their pants down just enough to make it spray. Because it’s been 18 years and I can remember that shit like it was yesterday. It was everywhere. The kind of everywhere that makes you think you’re on a prank show. I shit you not. I turned right around, pee all but forgotten, washed my hands -because just seeing that made me feel dirty- and turned to leave. On my way out I go to chuck the paper towel I used to dry my hands… and what do I see placed perfectly on top of the trash can? Dirty. Mother Fucking. Shit filled. Underwear. I went into that bathroom a boy. I came out a veteran with PTSD. So I did the only natural thing I could think of. Went back and told my friend he had to check out the stall in the men’s room. Because some burdens are too heavy to carry alone. We didn’t finish our food that day.