A Terrifying Experience

Leiden, 18 February 2020

Three hours earlier, I thought I would be spending my night at the K**LV. I don't know when I started to develop this habit to be the last guest whenever I visit one place. It was not as if I aspire to be Mr. beast, tho. Haha. Anyways, I have been so many times caught my self in a situation where there was no one around but myself. This thing happens whenever I study at the library or Niod.  I was yet never fidgety nor restless, knowing that there still staff around. But this time was totally different. Initially, I wanted to stay until 7.30pm but seeing there one room in which light was still on had me somewhat reassured. Okay, I would call it a day at 8pm, say my self. I don't know whether I was too engrossed in doing what I was doing. It was as if I had lost a sense of time. I have been putting the headphone almost all the time; obviously, I would not hear any sound but the music I listened to. At 8.30, I decided to call it a day. I put my laptop and notebook back inside my back. Right when I wanted to wear the coat, then it hit me that all the lights in the hallway were already out. I opened the door went checking to the other room if they were still around. Nope, I was literally alone in this big three-story building. I tried being calm in this kind of situation. I know that the main gate after 6pm could only be opened from inside. There must be the case. They must have kept the door open from inside. My room is on the second floor, so I went down to check whether the gate is still unlocked or not. Actually, I have expected the worse scenario. But I yet had had this tiny little hope, praying my heart out that somewhat they would forget to lock the door. When I was trying to pull the door handle, it would not budge, as my expectation was. I thus went up to the second door, turned on the light of my smartphone, and started roaming the whole building.

The building is a U shape, and the connection between each side was can only be accessed through the second and the third floor. As I trudge, I have been thinking about how I would spend the night alone. I could back to my room and study all night, then I realized that both the battery of my laptop and my smartphone could not last until morning. No, don't be so desperate, I told my self. There must be some exit door, I just need to find it. Yeah, that is the answer. I was practically roaming all the place, even spotted one room or two, in which the lights were still on. It turns out the rooms to be a pantry and a vacant room. Next, I was back on the first floor. This time, I explored the study lounge.
Though it was empty by the presence of human beings and rather stranded, I still could appreciate the beauty of the exquisite interior, even in the dim light. I ventured to the other side of the room and spotted the emergency door. Nothing could express how grateful I was thinking that I could finally be able to get out of this building. I then pressed the button that clings onto the wall while pulling the doorknob. Yes, It worked. I can go home now. While walking my way out, I was thinking to pen down this whole experience. Yeah, there is no way I would not let the world know about this unforgettable experience.

Someone needs to know about this intense experience. That is. As I walked my way to the fences, it then struck me that they were also locked. I won't lie this time, I was literally terrified. There is no way I would sleep in the park. It must be freezing cold. The fence was high enough to one able to climb it. The other side of the building was a canal. One must be crazy enough to jump into it and swim across to the other side. The thing is, I can't sleep, nor I have the gut to swim. I just need to figure out a smart move to get out of here. I thought I could have screamed and asked everyone who pass the street to help me out. But think about it, how would they help me? There is not like they have the keys. I then racked my brain, thinking of every possible solution. Like a revelation, the thing came out my mind. If there was an emergency door inside the building, there must have been an emergency door somewhere in these towering fences. Tada! I was right, I could finally locate the emergency door and get out of this building safe and sound.

Moral of the story:  Never be the last person wherever you are. Be vigilant. You would not know you might get your self locked up in the empty building.

This inscribe was written at 12am. Three hours after the incident.