Today I was plunged into darkness.
I stood in a vintage-inspired shower-box of emerald subway tiles under a warm tungsten light. The faucets were of a matte bronze colour, matching the showerhead and other touches found in different corners of the bathroom. I preemptively recoiled into the corner, preparing for an onslaught of cold water to hit the tiles and spread. I turned the faucet and water rushed out, running cold onto my skin as I darted my hand in and out, checking for the right temperature.
It always feels like a lifetime waiting for the water to get warm in a shower – even more so when you fumble to adjust either faucets when the temperature fluctuates. But at last, a desirable feeling of warmth is achieved and showering is but another activity to get on with. That is how complicated a shower should ever be. However, it gets more complicated!
All of a sudden, the world goes black and here I am standing in a very dark and enclosed space. My mind wandered, as if adjusting to the darkness in a strange way. My hearing sharpened as my eyes no longer had focus, and the sound of music playing outside the bathroom could be heard ever so slightly over the sound of rushing water. At that point, I wondered whether I should shower in the dark at all – it was pitch black and possibly dangerous, right?
I had never experienced showering in the dark until today. I could have turned off the water and dried myself off, opened the cubicle and found a light switch or sensor, but I was unsure if it was worth all that trouble. Mind you, this shower is not located in a cosy home, this was a gym shower and I didn’t fancy the chance I’d run into a stranger half-naked. I had many strange thoughts in the dark, the biggest one being, isn’t this what happens in horror movies? Shrugging that thought off with immediate denial, and quickly reminding myself that I am in a safe public space, I continued my shower.
It was nothing less than a strange experience. Showering in total darkness, in that cubicle of emerald subway tiles was somewhat comforting. It was as if I was enveloped in a peaceful embrace – perhaps something like being in a mother’s womb? Maybe that’s taking it too far.
Tomorrow, I hope I will have a brighter shower experience.
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