The Tripod

If it is four in the morning and you hear an unexpected bang at your door, it is rarely a good thing. Last night I was sleeping peacefully until I was called to help a disoriented and disgruntled friend who I will call Ross (in order to guarantee his anonymity). Ross was falling against the wall and throwing his BlackBerry to the ground. Two girls were screaming at him and then at me for not doing anything about it.

I was trying to stay awake and understand the situation. Ross refused to open his door and would not tell us his code, so I offered him my room. This was my second mistake after opening my door. Stay away from someone when they refuse to enter their room or forget their room code, for they are incapable of making good decisions. While I knew this, I had already opened my door and was thus compelled to help. Unfortunately, Ross accepted my invitation and ran into my room down the hall. I reluctantly threw out a sleeping bag that became more of a carpet as Ross walked over it and made his way to my chair. I turned my lamp on and watched Ross' head bobble and twitch forward as he drifted in and out of sleep. I kept thinking to myself, why did I open the door? What have I gotten myself into? Ross mumbled something and dropped his phone on the floor. There have been many instances where you hear a random knock at the door and are either greeted with a pleasant surprise like an old friend visiting, or, more commonly, someone who needs your help desperately. It has to be late in the evening and it's always urgent. Someone instantly becomes under your care. The bang on the door is often a call to be a pro bono babysitter for the rest of the night.

When I woke up late this morning, I noticed that Ross's phone was still on the floor but Ross was gone. I looked down at my carpet and noticed that the end of it was soaked. Part of my chair was also wet. I realized that I had to make a trip to the dry cleaners. When you hear that violent knock at your door, think twice before you open it. You never know what may be in store for you. I know that I am not opening my door for any unexpected visitors for a while.

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