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This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Lonely Visitor” Down in the Dirt v209 (7/23)  Order the paperback book: 
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The Rising Water
John Ragusa
Crete Carton felt especially dirty after mowing the tall grass on his lawn. He just had to wash the smelly perspiration off his body, so he decided to take a good, clean bath.
He ran his water and removed his clothes. With the faucets still running, Carton stepped into the tub. As soon as he picked up the soap, he fell into a cataleptic state often associated with epilepsy, which Carton suffered from. Unable to move or think, he was stuck in the tub with the water rising. He would eventually drown in there like a rat in a sewer. What a dreadful fate it would be!
No one could come in and save him, for Carton had locked the bathroom door. If he could call out, someone might bust down the door and rescue him. But because he could not speak, this would never happen. He was inevitably doomed to die in the tub!
Then a bona fide miracle occurred. When the tide was up to Carton’s shoulders, the water pressure was cut off! It seemed that Carton had not paid his utility bill for a very long time, so the water board stopped his water supply.
Soon afterward, Carton snapped out of his catalepsy and went on safely with his life. Later, he learned of the water board’s decision, which had prevented his untimely demise.
From then on, Carton was always prone to taking a shower.
