Shower adventure

A team of builders is into the second week of making repairs to our bathroom.

They are replacing the bath, putting down new tiles, and repairing the lighting.

The builders who put the bath in originally failed to seal it properly. Water seeped under the bath, where it gathered in a fetid pool.

Finally it started leaching into the place below us. The tenants below complained, which alerted condo management to the fact that something was wrong.

The workers turn up about 9am and stay until 5pm. They do their work professionally, cleaning up every night before they leave. They also do their best to contain noise and disruption while they are here.

However, having four or five builders in our place invades our privacy. If we do anything in the main room, such as taking a meal, we are on full view. The builders pass regularly between the bathroom and the front door.

Maiyuu spends most of his days asleep, as he recovers from a head cold. I take shelter in my bedroom, where at least I can close my door against intrusive staring.

We have been unable to use the shower for the past week. In its absence, we have been forced to use public showers in the condo administration building, which also houses a gym and a pool.

Last night Maiyuu decided it was time for a shower, his first in a couple of days. I take three or four a day, there or at work.

I put some toiletries and a towel in a shoulder bag. Maiyuu prepared a bag of his own, and we headed off.

It was fun embarking on an adventure with Maiyuu. We do so little outside home together.

The showers were empty, as the gym is rarely used. The pool is under repair, and has been for months.

We took showers simultaneously, though in different cubicles. I finished first, and waited for Maiyuu.

‘This is our first time doing anything together since you came to the airport to pick me up more than a month ago,’ I told him.

He did not reply.

I wonder if Maiyuu realises how much simpler, and more enjoyable, or lives together would be if he made more of an effort.

No matter.

We travelled down in the lift. I handed him my shower bag.

‘I’m going to see Ball and his family. Have a good night,’ I said.