My characters follow me everywhere: on the street, on the road, to gigs and to parties, they even come with me to the loo. The latter can be rather unsettling, especially recently, as my latest protagonist is the Gorgon, Euryale.

I had just finished my business in a particular set of ablutions equipped with a Dettol No-Touch automatic handwash dispenser, the convenience of which is compromised by the amount of patience required to stand with one’s arm outstretched waiting for cleansing solution to be administered.

However, this long delay gave Euryale time to appear behind me. A rather chilling reflection in the bathroom mirror telling, not suggesting, – she always demands, after all, Gorgons have a ‘bitch on wheels temperament’ (thanks, HR Boldwood!) – a change in a certain plot twist which I was struggling with.

Maybe, what had I always perceived as a pointless contraption created from the advancements in anxiety-fuelled technology was not so useless after all. I am now wondering what droplet of clarity (not necessarily writing-themed) will form the next time it is used.

If anyone else has been struck by moments of profoundness while using a Dettol No-Touch Antibacterial Handwash Dispenser then please get in touch. If there proves to be an abundance of philosophical thought inspired by this plastic case with built-in sensor, I may decide to publish them.