(This experience took place two or three years ago.)

It was the weekend, the morning AND the start of another fresh day. I stuck to my everyday schedule when I got up; first thing’s first, time to do number two in the toilet!

I opened the door to the bathroom and made my way inside before sitting down on the toilet seat. You don’t need most of the details; I just sat there for a good, long time, staring off into space and daydreaming about whatever and whatever (don’t remember so don’t ask me!)

When I was finally done with my business, I did what everyone always did - I wiped my bottom with some toilet paper.

You might be thinking, dear readers, WHY is this in Hazel’s True Stories? Pooping in the toilet isn’t exciting, scary, embarrassing (although, I AM sharing TMI, so...) or anything!

Well, here comes the part you’ve all been waiting for...

As soon as I got up from the toilet seat, I started to feel extremely dizzy. I had no idea why. All I knew was that... I was going to faint. So my body started to... give up, I guess. It was probably supposed to be a scary experience, but in reality... it was actually very... calming, I suppose. It was like God was letting me rest for a little while, or letting me take a break from life.

So I let myself fall to the ground. It didn't even hurt. I managed to whisper one small word before toppling over - and I’m glad I did.

“Mamu...”

I was still pretty aware of my surroundings when my mum rushed into the bathroom and scooped me up in her arms - the cold bathroom floor, the fuzzy rug, Mamu’s arms, her voice crying out in panic for me to wake up...

And as soon as she laid me down on the bed, I woke up. She was busy calling my uncle, asking him for advice.

We went to the hospital straightaway. After pricking my blood with a special tool, the doctors confirmed the reason for my fainting - I was dehydrated and needed to start drinking more water.

“I kind of wish I could faint like that again. It was so calming, all my anxiety immediately went away...”

...

(This took place two to three weeks ago.)

I woke up at 6:30am in the morning because of my mum. She was heading to work early and told me to shower. I just nodded, sleepy. I laid back down on the bed but didn't fall asleep so I decided to get ready to shower. I got my stuff from the other room where my dad was snoozing before heading into the bathroom.

The water was hotter than usual, but still, I showered for a long time, approximately 15 minutes because I couldn't get enough of it. I was addicted. And then I stepped out of the shower...

And felt extremely hot and sweaty. A ringing started in my ears. I got a headache. My vision blurred. I started wobbling around, feeling very weak. I don't really remember doing it but soon enough I was leaning on the cold bathroom wall in a crouch, trying to get a grip on myself and trying to NOT lose consciousness.

I reminded myself that my dad was asleep and he wouldn't hear me calling for him. So after resting for a little while, I got back up. I was still wobbling a lot but my vision was getting better, the headache was clearing, and the ringing in my ears was more... far away, I guess. I finally managed to pull my clothes on. Whenever I got dizzy, I had to grab something nearby to avoid falling over. Finally, I managed to walk out of the bathroom. My dad still hadn’t woken up.

I made my way to my bedroom. As soon as I saw the bed, I collapsed on top of it. Then I remembered to wrap the towel around my hair. After completing that, I immediately fell asleep.

Two hours later, I woke up because of my dad. He looked concerned and took the towel off my head. I continued to lay down but got up when I heard him approaching.

"Are you feeling weak?" He asked. I wasn't sure how to answer, so I admitted how I had been feeling very dizzy in the bathroom after showering.

After that I had milk and a snack bar for breakfast. I felt better, mostly... ignoring my weightless head.

“Later on that day, I searched something up. ”Does showering in hot water for too long make you faint?” The answer: yes.”

(This took place 3 or 4 years ago.)

I was at my cousin’s house for a late night gathering, and the clock was approaching 11. It was time to start heading home. I had just been lying down on the bed when I was informed of us having to leave.

For some reason, when I stood up, I started to feel a little bit dizzy. I even stumbled a little. My uncles had to catch me. They helped me put on my shoes and head outside the door; I mean, they probably just thought I was sleepy. I mean, even I thought I was sleepy. But I was wrong.

As soon as I had stepped out of the door, I almost fell over - but luckily, my mum and my uncles caught me just in time. They carried me back to the bedroom I was in before. They concluded I had a fever, and gave me some medication to make me feel better.

I stayed at my cousin’s for a sleepover :)

“I’m pretty sure there’s still at least one other faintworthy experience I’m missing... but that’s a story for another time! Goodbye!”

Written by Hazel Antler.