{"id":32683,"date":"2024-09-19T22:35:26","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T02:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/?p=32683"},"modified":"2024-12-30T19:12:22","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T23:12:22","slug":"the-sign-on-the-bathroom-door","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/2024\/09\/19\/the-sign-on-the-bathroom-door\/","title":{"rendered":"The Sign on the Bathroom Door"},"content":{"rendered":"

Like most college tragedies, it all started as a prank.<\/em><\/h4>\n

Sophia and Skyler have been friends since High School.
\nThey like the same music, laugh at the same memes and dreamed of going to college together.
\nSophia had a head for math and exceled at computer science, while Skyler enjoyed more of the arts.
\nThey found a common bond in entertainment technology and both applied to Carnegie Mellon University.<\/p>\n

Both were accepted at CMU and Sophia started her studies in Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Skyler in Drama.
\nSkyler loved her classes and easily made friends.
\nSophia found her course challenging, and spent little time socializing outside of their friendship.<\/p>\n

It was no surprise when Skyler found a boyfriend and that consumed more of her time.
\nScott was in his 3rd year at CMU and majored in Arts and Entertainment Management.
\nSkyler took Scott to all of her events and introduced him to her performing arts friends.
\nHe and Skyler seemed inseparable. Until they weren’t.<\/p>\n

Scott developed an infatuation with Crystal, a second year Arts student with incredible acting and singing skills.
\nHe unceremoniously dumped Skyler and the two started dating.<\/p>\n

Skyler was devastated, not only had she introduced him to Crystal, but had considered Crystal a friend.
\nThey lived in the same dorm after all.<\/p>\n

Sophia could see the pain that Skyler was going through, and they jokingly conspired to get revenge.<\/p>\n

One day Skyer was working on a scene that involved the projection of a ghost sitting in a chair.
\nShe was impressed with the technology and brought in Sophia to see it.
\nSophia found it fascinating and started researching the mechanism involved.
\nIt was Pepper’s Ghost, an illusion technique developed by John Henry Pepper around 1862.<\/p>\n

Sophia told Skylar that she could create a version that they could project in their room using the glass from a broken teleprompter.
\nSkyler loved the idea, but how about using it in the dorm’s bathroom to scare an unsuspecting student.
\nAnd not just any student, but Crystal.<\/p>\n

After a little trial an error they were able to create an illusion that could be seen in the bathroom mirror, projected from a stall.
\nSophia would run the unit while pretending use the toilet.<\/p>\n

They were ready by Halloween.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Crystal entered the bathroom to make final improvements on her makeup before going out to a Halloween Party.
\nAfter a few minutes Sophia activated the device.
\nAn old man in a cloak, head hidden, walking forward, appeared in the mirror.
\nCrystal was staring intently when the man raised his head, his hood dropping, revealing a decomposing corpse.<\/p>\n

Crystal screamed and covered her face,
\nJust then Sophia flushing the toilet, banged open the stall door.
\nShe ran to Crystal to ask what happened.
\nCrystal stared wide-eyed, then turned and ran out the door.<\/p>\n

Sophia calmly collected the projector, removed the reflecting glass from the corner and walked out into the hall.
\nSkyler could barely contain herself. She had been standing outside the door and heard the entire episode.
\nShe relentlessly quizzed Sophia on what Crystal’s expression was and wanted a detailed account.<\/p>\n

That night, once calmed down, Crystal told all of her friends what she had seen and was convinced that the bathroom was haunted.
\nSophia would chuckle to herself on each retelling.<\/p>\n

By Thanksgiving break Skyler and Sophia had pretty much forgotten about the prank.
\nBut when they returned to school on Monday, the story had gone viral.
\nBesides Crystal many other students reported that they too had seen a ghost in the bathroom mirror.
\nThe stories varied depending on the teller.
\nWith the specter being either young or old, male or female, but they always ended with a ghoul reaching out for the victim.<\/p>\n

While Skyler thought it amusing, Sophia was disappointed that her fellow classmates would believe in ghosts of all things.
\nThis a well respected school of science and engineering; How could they be so gullible?<\/p>\n

But the students in the dorm wanted more.
\nA group of freshman decided to try and “talk” with the spirit and would bring a Ouija board into the bathroom at night.
\nThey left the board and planchette on the marble sink for anyone to use.<\/p>\n

The Ouija sessions began to take on a life of it’s own.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

With some students using it to ask for the phone number of a romantic partner they were pursuing.
\nWhile others would try to coax out the answers to upcoming tests.
\nNo one seemed to notice that when only freshman asked a question, there was an obtuse response.
\nBut when an upperclassman had their fingers on the planchette, the answers were quick and detailed.
\nThe Universities Paranormal Studies Club could find no indication of a spirit, but that did not stop the rumors.<\/p>\n

Since no one was talking about the ghost in the mirror anymore, Skylar wanted Sophia to do it again.
\nSophia said it was to dangerous with so many people in the bathroom and the reflector would be discovered.
\nPlus someone would need to actually run the projector.<\/p>\n

What they needed was something that could be remotely activated and would need no easily discoverable apparatus.
\nThen Sophia remembered a Raspberry Pi project called MagicMirror.
\nIt was perfect for a CompSci student and she felt comfortable with the engineering required.<\/p>\n

The project was basically placing a thin high-definition screen behind the mirror and use a small computer to run the display.
\nBy removing the LCD screen from a flat panel monitor you could drive the screen using an HDMI cable from a Raspberry Pi computer.
\nThe trick is making the mirror semi-transparent at the point of contact with the display.<\/p>\n

All skills that Sophia had.<\/p>\n

Her plan was to build it in the next few weeks, and install it over Winter break.<\/p>\n

As the majority of the dorm headed home for the Holidays, Skylar and Sophia executed their plan.
\nUsing a hot gun Skylar heated the mirror, loosening the adhesive back while Sophia gently pried it away from the wall.
\nOnce the mirror was removed, they laid it softly face down, on a towel.
\nCarefully rubbing a solution of ferric chloride in small circles, Skylar was able to remove the silvering.
\nStarting at the bottom of the mirror, she cleared an area slightly smaller than the LCD panel.
\nWhile Skylar was working on the mirror, Sophia cut a small slit in the drywall at the meeting of the counter top.
\nBeneath the sink, she made a corresponding cut.
\nUsing backing-tape, Skylar mounted the screen and then using electrical fish tape, installed the HDMI cable.
\nThe Raspberry PI was hidden below the sink for easy access.<\/p>\n

While Sophia was testing the software, Skylar sprayed a small amount of silver nitrate onto the area effectively creating a two-way mirror.<\/p>\n

Once the software was confirmed to be operating correctly, and the LCD brightness set to it’s highest level, it was time to remount the mirror.
\nThey replaced all of the backing adhesive, heated it until it was tacky, and then mounted the mirror.
\nWorking their way from the corners to the middle of the mirror, they made sure it was flush with the wall.
\nOnce certain that the mirror was secure, they cleaned it and collected all the tools and chemicals.<\/p>\n

The computer was programmed to activate when vibration was detected, and only in low lighting.
\nIt took a few days, but finally a small group of 2nd years decided to use the Ouija while setting the mood by the light from there cell phone.
\nA wispy figure appeared in the mirror, staring at the girls and slowly shook her head while bringing a boney finger to her lips.
\nThe all stared, open-mouthed for a few seconds, and then broke for the door.<\/p>\n

News of an apparition being summoned with the Ouija board quickly circulated around campus.
\nThe bathroom was a non-stop train of students wanting to experience the haunting.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Finally the TA decided that there needed to be a time limit and the bathroom would be closed to all but the dorm residents from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM.<\/p>\n

Since the activity seemed to be more active at Midnight, the Paranormal Studies Club decided to try one more time to see what was causing the commotion.
\nThey were given permission to investigate the bathroom the next Saturday night starting at 12:00AM.<\/p>\n

Sophia heard about the PSC investigation on Friday morning, and immediately went into a panic.
\nShe had to remove the MagicMirror tonight and had little time to do it.
\nWith a full dorm, someone could walk in at anytime.<\/p>\n

Faking stomach issues, she waited for an empty bathroom, then ran in and slammed the door.
\nSkylar stood guard at the doorway, telling everyone that Sophia was really sick and needed some privacy.<\/p>\n

Sophia knew that removing the mirror had taken more than 2 hours and that was with two people. There was no way they could keep people out for that long.
\nSo she just heated the bottom of the mirror, pried it just loose enough to lift it an inch from the wall.
\nThat was enough room for her to slide the panel out. She disconnected the cable, and covered the slit with a piece of tape.
\nRemoving the computer was simple, as it was taped to the bottom of the sink.
\nLooking intently into the mirror, Sophia could just detect area Skylar had cleared. But it was barely noticeable, and she had to know exactly where to look.
\nFortunately, none of the stories stated a specific location in the mirror, and some talked about the image covering the entire thing.<\/p>\n

The entire process took less than 20 minutes, and the bathroom was back in service, with Skylar helping Sophia return to their room.<\/p>\n

The Paranormal Studies Club took over the bathroom at precisely Midnight of Friday.
\nWithin a few minutes they had their cameras, EMF and motion detectors arranged across the sink, stalls and floor.
\nThe investigation started slowly with no activity, but within 30 minutes all of the electronic equipment had quit functioning.
\nNot a single battery would hold a charge, and when they tried to plug in any devices the breaker would trip.
\nThey brought in a single candle for light, and tried the Ouija board.
\nSince there was no recording of the events, only their notes and oral recitations would tell the story.<\/p>\n

And the story spread like wildfire.<\/p>\n

Not only had the PCS confirmed the haunting, but planned on publishing their findings!<\/p>\n

Skylar and Sophia were in shock. Although Skylar had an open mind about such things, Sophia was beside herself.
\nHow could anyone believe this? There was no such things as ghosts!
\nAnd Sophia planned to show everyone how she, yes, she, had fooled them all.<\/p>\n

It was several days before Sophia could find a time to enter the bathroom alone.
\nEarly on a Wednesday morning, she quietly padded into the bathroom, still in her slippers and pajamas.
\nShe didn’t tell Skylar of her plan, as Skylar seemed to think that maybe the Ouija board worked all along.
\nShe took her phone in with her and was going to video and narrate the entire procedure.
\nShe found the Ouija board sitting on the counter top as usual, and moved the planchette so it was over the center star.<\/p>\n

Then she commanded the pointer to “Move!”.
\nShe watched intently, then let out a nervous laugh as nothing happened.
\nShe couldn’t believe that she was so nervous, but then something did happen.
\nThe star was no longer visible in the window. The planchette had moved, only a few millimeters, but it was definitely not where it started.<\/p>\n

With short gasp, she squeaked out a barely audible “hello?”
\nAnd the planchette slowly moved, up and to the right. Stopping first at H and then I.
\nSophia then heard a loud pop! and looked up at the mirror.
\nShe swore that saw a vibration and something running towards her!
\nThen the mirror slipped off the wall and onto the marble top, toppling over it.
\nSophia raised her arms in protection and that saved her eyesight, as the heavy mirror crashed over her head and sent shards of glass into her face.
\nThe blow drove her to the floor.<\/p>\n

The crashing sound woke the entire floor, but most just stayed in bed, not certain of what they heard and waiting for another noise.
\nSkylar stirred and when she saw that Sophia was not in bed, she bolted upright wide-awake.
\nShe cried out and ran for the bathroom.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Those closest to the bathroom understood where the sound had come from and were desperately trying to open the blocked door.
\nBy the time Skylar started banging on the door, the TA was screaming for them to force the door open.
\nSophia had dragged herself to the door and then passed out in front of it.
\nIt took four strong pushes open the door wide enough for someone to squeeze into the room.
\nThat someone was Skylar as she fought her way to the front.<\/p>\n

Looking down Skylar screamed seeing the amount of blood covering the tile.
\nShe pulled Sophia away from the door and several dorm-mates quickly entered and wrapped her in towels to staunch the bleeding.
\nThe TA called 911.<\/p>\n

Sophia would make a complete recovery with only a few scars to remind her of her ordeal.
\nTo this day she is not certain if she actually saw something, or it was just the weakened adhesive that made the mirror fall.<\/p>\n

But either way, a sign was placed on the bathroom wall stating that:<\/p>\n

OUIJA BOARDS <\/strong>
\nARE NO LONGER<\/strong>
\nPERMITTED IN <\/strong>
\nTHE RESTROOMS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Like most college tragedies, it all started as a prank. Sophia and Skyler have been friends since High School. They like the same music, laugh at the same memes and dreamed of going to college together. Sophia had a head for math and exceled at computer science, while Skyler enjoyed more of the arts. They […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-home-life"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32683","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32683"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32683\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32685,"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32683\/revisions\/32685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32683"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32683"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/eric.washburn.name\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32683"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}