The new flat has some spiffy in-built features for preserving the environment, like the toilet that has the alternatives of a big flush and a small flush, to save water. For when there is a lot to flush and when there is little to flush... well, you get the picture.

Unfortunately, this greatly impairs Frank's execution of his duty as Supervisor of the Flush. His duties include always supervising the Waters coming into and exiting the Holy Bowl, but with the little flush, he is always too late to see the water making its entrance *and* its exit. The flush is simply too quick to allow him to get there to observe it, in spite of the fact that he sits in the doorway waiting for it to start and then dashes forward as the hoomin turns to flush. This is very frustrating for Frank, who takes his duties as Flushing Supervisor very seriously. In fact, to make him feel better, the hoomin here has been known to flush a second time, just to let him observe the Waters. Which sort of defeats the purpose of the spiffy system.

Copyright © Marina Kurten
February 11, 2003