Playtime

I live alone. I'm used to it by now; the peace, quiet and freedom are a nice reprieve from a big family home full of noisy people and pets. Don't get me wrong, I like both. But there are times when you just need a place of your own to get away from it all, and still have the option to go back to visit.

One time, after a night of partying and drinks at the bar, I got home pretty late. It was around 3.00 in the morning. Tired from the night's events, I just wanted to take a quick shower before crawling into bed. So I turned on the shower and let it run for a bit to let the stall steam up nice and hot as usual before going at it; habit of mine, I suppose. Then I entered the shower stall.

After I was done, I turned off the shower, grabbed my towel and was about to step out when I heard it－the high-pitched, ringing laughter of a child, followed by another child, and another child; like they were having fun at the playground below my apartment. They started squealing and giggling so happily and I imagined they were chasing each other around the giant slide. 

Smiling sleepily at that thought, I proceeded to dry myself off as I stepped out of the stall. After getting dressed, I climbed into bed, thankful for the warmth and softness of my pillow.

The next morning, I woke up with a sudden thought－"Why were kids playing downstairs at nearly 4.00 in the morning??" As it was already daylight, that realization didn't quite freak me out as much as it would have the night before.

Until I went to the bathroom to wash up.

There, on the mirror, written in childish handwriting in crayon, were the words, "COME PLAY WITH US TONIGHT."

I immediately searched the 'Classifieds' section on the newspaper for new apartment rentals. Preferably ones that did not have children's playgrounds anywhere nearby.