Janitor’s Night 2
The Keeper of the Teeth of the Little Ones
1. And it came to pass that he entered into the chamber appointed for the children’s healing, even the dentist’s office, where the remnants of the day lay quiet and unspoken.
2. And behold, he approached the great vessel of refuse, and did remove the full sack thereof. With care did he bind it, and did set a new lining within, tying it fast with a knot, that it might not descend into the depths and bring forth disorder. For he had known the vexation of such things, and would not suffer it again.
3. Then turned he unto the second vessel, and lo, there was beside it a box of cardboard, forgotten and waiting. And he gathered it up, even as he gathered the refuse, and placed all within the greater sack, that nothing be left behind. And he bare them unto the elevator, the burden of the day’s passing carried in silence.
4. And he lifted his eyes unto the clock, and saw that the hour was eleven and eleven. And he paused, for the moment was marked, though its meaning was not revealed.
5. And returning again unto his labor, he beheld that dishes had appeared within the place of washing. And he considered within himself, saying, “These were not here before.” And for a moment his thoughts were troubled, as one who pondereth a thing beyond his knowing. Yet he gathered the dishes and set them in order within the sink, and the matter passed from him.
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6. And he wiped the counters, where there lay the traces of coffee — grounds scattered as dust, and drops of water clinging to the surface. And he labored until all was made clean. And behold, the place was restored.
7. Then went he into the bathroom, and the light did reveal all things. He looked upon the rolls of paper, and saw that they were sufficient. And he opened the the chambered receptacle for feminine matters and removed that which was within, casting it into the greater refuse.
8. And he beheld the toilet, and it required cleansing, and so he flushed it. And taking the cloth, he did apply the cleanser and wiped the seat and the surface thereof, though it was but lightly used, that it might be made ready without blemish.
9. And he looked upon the paper towels, and saw that they were full, lacking nothing.
10. Then took he the glass cleaner and did spray it upon the mirror, and wiped it until it shone. And with the same cloth did he polish the chrome, until it gleamed as a thing made new.
11. Thus was the bathroom finished, and all was set in order.
12. And the chamber, which had borne the marks of the day, was made ready once more for the morrow.
