WHAT HAPPENS AT A LAUNDROMAT

One day Stephanie and I went into the laundromat to do a load of clothes. Once there, I observed several things in the course of time it took to do that load. There were people washing laundry, of course, but that wasn’t all they were doing. There was a couple in the corner, who were arguing over something one found in the pocket of the other’s pants, from what it sounded like. This argument got louder the longer it went on.

The homeless were milling around, trying to get warm on a cool December day. There were not enough beds in the local shelter to house everyone. It was warm inside, so this happens often, from what I can tell from when I come myself.

In another corner, you can see a couple eating while they are waiting for their clothing to finish. The smell of food wafts over to Stephanie and me, making my mouth water. The worker is walking around, making sure everyone has what they need and getting them anything they don’t have. The smell of detergents and fabric softener sheets being used is the more prominent smell here; however, the food isn’t far behind.

I look over at my friend and shrug my shoulders at her look of puzzlement.

“This is how a laundromat gets, I guess. I know that any I have been to have had similar patrons in it,” I told her.

“I have never been to one quite like this. I am used to the ones in the building I live in. Those aren’t anything like this one,” Stephanie replied.

“Well, this is what you find in a public laundromat. Not everyone can manage to use facilities like you're used to, due to various reasons, of course,” I said as I checked my laundry.

“I guess not. I think this is more friendly than the ones back home,” she says as we switch my clothes over.

Once the clothes are moved to the dryer, we sit down to try to continue studying. We have finals next week and need to prepare for them. We started with the class I needed the most help with. She has been trying to help me get better at math since we became friends.

As we are studying, we notice someone getting ready to open my dryer. I get up to question them, and they are confrontational.

“Can I help you? I already have stuff in this dryer,” I said to the person.

“Yeah, well, I need this dryer,” They replied.

“I understand, but it is already taken. You will need to wait for your turn or get a different dryer to use.” I am not sure why this person is acting in this manner, as there are plenty of working dryers in this laundromat.

“This is the dryer I always use, now out of my way!” They try pushing me out of the way, but I do not budge.

“Can I be of assistance?” The worker came over, noticing the confrontation.

“Yes, I am already using this dryer, and this person went to interrupt my clothes drying because they say it is the only dryer they use when here, and I need to let my clothes dry before I can head home to study. I am not sure why they cannot use another dryer this time,” I reply to the worker.

“Mr. Sullivan, I am sorry for this misunderstanding, but you will need to use another dryer this time as we cannot make this patron switch her clothes to another dryer when she has already started drying her clothes.” The worker told the person who was trying to use my dryer.

“But you don’t understand. This is the dryer I always use; I need this dryer. Why did she have to come today and use my dryer,” Mr. Sullivan asks her.

I look at the dryer in question, and it only has 5 minutes left. “If you wish to use this dryer, you are more than welcome to wait as my clothes should be dry soon, but I want to finish drying them first if you do not mind,” I explain to Mr. Sullivan. “I only have 5 minutes, so it isn’t a long wait at least.”

Mr. Sullivan looks from me to the worker and then says, “Ms. Felicia, I don’t have much time, and I know you mean well, but I need to get this done fast. I don’t tend to have much time to work with. I am also not good with change. I only have a small load and don’t need long to dry my clothes. Is there nothing we can do to help me here?”

“Mr. Sullivan, I understand this, but we cannot take from another. So, they said once the dryer is finished, you are welcome to take it. If you could only wait a few minutes longer, it won’t take that long,” Ms. Felicia replies to him.

“Fine, but I cannot wait any longer than that. Since I do not have a choice here,” Mr. Sullivan says and walks away.

“Thank you, Ms. Felicia. I wasn’t sure how to calm this situation down.”

Just then, the dryer beeps, and I take my clothes out and take them over to the table with Stephanie. We started talking about the topics from school today, while I folded my clothes and put them into my basket. Then she took me home so we could study some more.

Melissa Wiertz: I was born in Upstate New York but grew up primarily in Baltimore, Maryland. I began writing poetry at the age of 11 and have dreamed of being published since high school. Growing up, I knew I was different but didn’t understand why. Before reaching adulthood, I was diagnosed with Bipolar, ADHD, and Insomnia. Later on, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and several other chronic conditions that aren’t so fun. Despite that, I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews around the country, as well as with my family and friends. A few years ago, I joined The United Workers, a member-led human rights organization, and they helped me find my voice in ways I never thought possible. With the support of my United Workers family, loved ones, and some unexpected supporters, I finally decided to publish my poetry as a late birthday gift to myself!