The Bouncing Ball

Today is the exact day of Cheng Ming. Most of us, one way or another will come across or heard about ghost stories. We might have heard it either from our parents, relatives, colleagues or friends. I have heard a few but I have actually only experience twice. I did not see any white figurine floating around or any ghost faces in both events.

I worked in a Software company which supplies banking software. Somewhere in 1996; my company manages to get a contract to supply our software and consultancy services to a bank in Thailand. The office place that we were supposed to work in is located in one of the most famous streets in Bangkok. When I first arrived I was quite fascinated with the place. The main building which contains the banking hall is situated in the front of the streets. Right at the back of the building there are more than 7 other building blocks, some are around 4 to 5 storey. The façade and architecture design of the building reflects the 60’s or 70’s era.

The building that was designated for us as our office space is almost at the end. It has 4 floors. My company took up 2 floors, the 3rd and 4th floor; I am on the 4th floor. When you walk into the building, the first thing that you will notice is the stairs. It is very wide, enough for an elephant to walk through. When you open the door at my floor you could see that there are 2 office space separated by the stairs. Each side has a toilet. The guys’ toilet is on the right and the ladies is on the left. Each sides itself is separated into 2 areas with the toilet in the middle. On my side both of this area is occupied. I sat beside the toilet which faces the wall (that’s where the stair is). From the place that I sit I could not see the other area where the ladies toilet is situated. There is one unoccupied area, which is just outside of the ladies toilet. It contains some boxes pilling up on each other which were used during the users’ relocation from another office area.

When you work on overseas assignment you tend to goes to the office on weekends which are better that staying at the apartment staring at 4 walls. On one such weekend I was back in the office. As usual I packed my favorite Char Siew Fan as breakfast from the stores below my apartment. When I reached the office there are lights on the 3rd floor, I did not went in, I guess it could be one of my Malaysian colleague or the cleaners. I went up straight to my places. I switched open the radio, Bird’s song was on. I opened my food and I bite into the fragrant rice which was covers with the Char Siew gravy. I was half way through my rice when I notice that there is some sound coming from the ladies toilet side.

It sounds like falling boxes. My first thought is that it could be wind. I continue to munch on my char siew. “Tom”, this time the sound is louder. I stood up and I walk slowly towards the sounds. I reached the spaces in front of the door, I still could not see clearly as I did not open the lights on that side. I slowly walk towards the area near the ladies toilet. I did not notice any fallen boxes. Umm, strange, it could not be wind as the window was shut tight. Cat? Mouse? At that time I feel a bit chill; I guess it could be the cold shower I took this morning. I walk straight back to my side and continue with my char siew fan. “TOM!” this time it’s even louder, my first reaction is to pack the rice and head for the door.

I ran down the stairs as quickly as my foot and muscle could carry me. I could hear the same sound but this time its clearer and even louder, it’s a sound of a ball bouncing from the ladies toilet end towards the door. I reached the 3rd floor; I hope my colleague is still around. I pushed the door with my right arms, it’s locked, damn! I continue to run down the stairs towards the main door at the ground floor. The fading sound of a ball bouncing at the background "TOM!TOM!TOM!" accompanying the sound of my footsteps stumbling and skipping steps. I reached the ground floor in less than a minute. My hearts was pounding as fast and hard as a war drum beat. The weather on the outside is not hot but it’s not cold either but I could feel that all the hairs on my arms are pointing upwards.

The next morning I relate the tales to some of my colleague and users and to my surprise they have tales of their own. Tales of sound coming from the pantry, sounds of the spoon stirring the cup, the only problem is that no one is in the pantry. The users told me that across the building there is a cemetery. I peep through the window from the 4th floor, true enough there are a few tombstones basking in the sun light, it does not looks like a full scale cemetery. One of the tombstones looks smaller, probably lay beneath it is a kid that loves to play with balls. It has been more than 8 years but its still gives me Goosebumps when I relate this to someone.