naked feet padded their way on the cold, moist tiled floor. an occasional strand of stray hair tangles with the pinky toe--it was mine for sure, but remained ignored.

hanging the towel at the hook on the wall, i peered at the face that looked back at me on the wall mirror. gawd, you look awful, i thought.

shedding off the last pieces of clothing, manipulating the dials of the temperature of the shower, snatches of conversations with people flashed in and out of my head.

turning the knob, i felt the first few drops of lukewarm water jolt me from the remnants of sleep. then the warmth of the water covered me, and was my first source of comfort today.

mechanical rituals of lathering, then i thought of the day ahead. is there much to look forward to? gee, i dunno. when was the last time i hummed a tune just to get the task of showering done and be out there to meet the day? i didnt bother to answer... the question left my mind as the water rinsed out the last traces of shampoo from my hair.

i watched the white swirls dancing by my feet, then i noticed the tangled strand of hair, trying to move with the water but can't because it somehow was stuck at my pinky toe. i poured water on my feet and watch the strand move with the water, slowly, gracefully with the foamy swirls...

a piece of me has just gone down the drain.