I had nothing left to give. There is always more to give, my mind told me. I grunted and exhaled, straining beyond my limits, pushing for that last rep. The clanging of the bar against its holder was a sound of triumph to me, as I finished what proved to be a fantastic workout.

I was drenched with sweat, my arms shaking, my chest quivering. I had some stress to work out and felt all the better for it. I headed for the treadmill to start my ten minute cooldown. I noticed a Krusual corp mate had finished his workout, and was heading to the change room. I didn’t know his name, as he was a rookie to Freeform Industries. There was only one shower in our corporate gym, so I figured by the time I was done my cooldown, he would be finished up. Perfect; just enough time for me to shower and report for duty. I enjoyed being punctual. It was something I demanded of my pilots. It was something I demanded of myself.

Ten minutes later I discovered I was very wrong about my timing estimate.

I entered the change room, still dripping sweat, to hear the only shower still going. No worries; he was probably just finishing up. I stripped down, wrapped my towel around my waist, and waited. I could hear the soap dispenser. I waited. I could hear it again. I could see through the translucent shower panel that he was rewashing himself, twice, three times. Sweet Lord. 

I harumphed as best I could, trying to be polite. I heard the shampoo dispenser going. For the little bit of hair that Krusual had, you would think he wouldn’t need to wash it five times. I cleared my throat; loudly. Still no response. I sighed outwardly. Nothing.

I looked at the chrono on the wall. I was running out of time, and couldn’t very well report for duty soaked through with sweat. Again, what I demand from my pilots I demand from myself. It had been 18 minutes. Including the ten I was on the treadmill, that’s 28 minutes in the shower. Sure, he was a little chubby, but seriously?

Another five minutes passed, with me huffing and hawing to no avail. Then the showerhead stopped. He was finished. A wash of relief flowed through me; prematurely as it turned out. 

He towelled himself off; once, twice, three times. Another four minutes had passed. That was all I could take. 

I walked to the shower door, threw my towel over it, opened it up, and walked in. The look of shock and modesty on his face was very satisfying, as he shrank beneath my impressive form. “Sorry, I don’t have all day to wait for you to dry the crack of your ass.” I said. He frowned at me, but said nothing, quickly scurrying from the shower.

Ah, a nice hot shower. Exactly what I needed after a good workout. I turned the showerhead on, and felt the searing heat… for about twenty seconds. Then the water went ice cold. You chubby little shit, I thought to myself.

Just the same, I enjoyed a five minute shower, quickly towelled myself off, and opened the door. Much to my surprise and mirth, the Krusual was still in the changeroom. He had a complete line of toiletries lined up on the counter, and was currently applying baby powder to himself. I couldn’t help but smile. There was deodorant, cologne, a comb, hair product, a tooth brush, toothpaste, mouthwash, tweezers, a freshly rolled pair of underwear, socks, dog tags, and the baby powder in hand. The way they were methodically laid out made it easy to see where he was in his slightly obsessive routine.

I ignored him, as he ignored me, and quickly dressed, stuffing my soiled workout clothing into my duffle bag. I had to take one more look. I simply couldn’t help myself.

He was currently holding his towel under the hair dryer, making sure it was good and dry. Unfrickinbelievable. I watched for another moment as he folded each of his clothing items, ensuring they were in their allocated spot within this gym bag. Then he went back to applying more baby powder.

I understand we all have our own quirks. I get that we all have our own perceptions of ourselves. What I also know is that I do my very best to not allow my personal habits to interfere with the lives of others. Case in point, I took a five minute shower because I know it’s the only shower there. It drives me mad when people are just woefully ignorant. How hard is it to be conscious of those around you? Why do so many simply go about their lives robotically, completely engrossed in their routines, incapable of responding to unexpected stimuli into their ritural? It’s a pet peeve. One of many.

I snorted condescendingly to myself, and made a parting comment. “You look pretty; hope he appreciates it.” Then I left the gym to report for duty. 

I vowed if I ever had to fly with that Krusual, I would shoot whomever made the duty roster.