I tried to explain the mechanics of the door lock to her through the door. Result: hysterical "I CANT!" over and over. Nope, not going to work.
I tried to unscrew the door handle off the door (mind you, with a flat-head screwdriver that I KNOW didn't work well with the Phillips head screws in the door handle, but it's ALL I HAD DAMMIT!) I found myself cursing the very same lock I once so loved; the one lock that allowed me to escape my family every now and again. Result: The handle got very loose. It could not be removed that way.
I tried to explain to Hailley again about the door lock. This time I increased the volume of my voice. (Us parents don't really want to use the term yelling, but yeah, there it is.) Result: total meltdown inside the bathroom. Nope, still not effective.
I tried to simply ignore her and continue my exam studying. My reasoning: Blake will be home soon, he's the one that fixes this problem. I also thought she might just figure it out on her own. Result: after 1 minute of that, total guilt. What the hell was I thinking?? I can't just leave her in there!
So I went outside the house to the bathroom window. As I tried to push the window up from the outside, I started laughing. I was cracking up outside my house in broad daylight while I was talking to the window. Whatever will the neighbors think? Finally, in-between hysterical giggles, I managed to get the window open. I bribed my daughter with gum if she would try unlocking the door again with me pointing out instructions. I might have lost some weight recently, but squeezing through that smaller than normal window space was not an option I was willing to exercise. Hailley quickly unlocked the door and announced she knew that was how it was done. Awesome, kid. Thanks.
Final Result: A smile on my daughter's face as she chewed her gum, a smile on my face (possibly complete loss of sanity, but who cares at this point) and a good story to tell.
