Every day, a flock of laundry descends from the upper level of the living quarters. The precise time of the flock’s arrival is inconsistent, but it arrives without fail, swooping down to the ground floor of the habitat. It is brightly colored and diverse in size; it is odorous and soiled.
The flock’s destination is the washing machine, where all members will be thoroughly cleaned. Under typical conditions, the flock rests in close proximity to the machine, often for 2-3 days. Although the flock is an ordinary part of the habitat’s scenery, it remains a curiosity to onlookers who are unaccustomed to seeing a dirty flock stay in the same exact location for such a long span of time.
Soon, the mother of the household, who attempts to monitor the movements of the flock but generally does not succeed, determines that it is washing day. A thrilling drama ensues, relying on soap, spinning water, and a great deal of heat.
The flock’s motive of being cleaned has been accomplished. Eventually, migration back to the upper level of the living quarters will commence. But first, the flock is relocated to a space nearby referred to as a “dining room”, where the agonizing process of waiting begins. Lingering for as many as 3-4 days, the flock is certainly an oddity to passersby who marvel at its staying power in such an unusual environment.
Finally, the mother of the household enters the dining room, makes a guttural noise as if resigning herself to the task ahead, and sorts the flock into pre-determined categories, folding and smoothing and stacking as she goes. Subsequently, the flock ascends to the upper level of the living quarters, where each member lands in its original nesting place.
Requiring an average of 6 days to travel a total of 120 feet, the great migration is complete*.
*It is critical to note that, although this particular flock has made it safely home, other flocks are continually on the move, which means that the laundry’s migratory patterns never cease.
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