March 2026 SOLC–Day 7
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I tilt my head back and let the warm water flow over my hair, rinsing away the shampoo. My feet splash as I step forward, reaching for the conditioner.

Wait? Splash?

I look down at my feet and see water puddling around the shower drain. I lift one foot. Then the other. Splash. Splash. 

Uh oh…When was the last time I cleaned the drain?

I squat to get a closer look. The water is definitely backing up. If I can’t remember when I last cleaned it, no doubt it’s overdue.

I reach down to the drain grate. Is it lefty loosie or righty tighty?

I grip and nudge the grate to the left, not wanting to push too hard in case I’m going the wrong way. Nothing happens. I push again a little harder and feel a little give. Another twisting push and the grate cover is free. Success! I lift it from the drain, and a large glob of hairy, goopy nastiness dangles from it. If the drain were a cat, this would be a monstrous hairball! Making a face, I pull the slippery mass free, place it in the far corner of the shower. Then I reach down into the drain to see what else I can scavenge. One after another, I pull up several large clumps of gunky yuck and add them to the debris pile. It’s simultaneously both thoroughly disgusting and immensely satisfying. 

After the drain is as clear as I can get it, I replace the grate. I finish my shower, washing my hands repeatedly, and relish the water’s swift descent through the drain. No more splashing!

When my shower is done, I get some tissues, pick up the pile of yuck and throw it away. 

If only all my problems were solved this easily!