Ode of Laundry Machine **

Sock - The new kid

I couldn't believe Clorox just invited some weird kid into our home! Sure, I could act glad but the thought of a kid far more than half our age just weirded me out. Plus, it didn't help, at all, that he was an angsty piece of bread! He had piercings on his eyebrow, a tattoo of a skull, and didn't care about anything! All he did was sit on the bed that we so generously provided for him, and play stupid games on his phone. I couldn't take it so I decided to talk to Clorox. "Clorox, Breadward needs to go," I finally said. Clorox' face was like no other I've seen. His eyes contorted and his lips were drawn into a frown. "Sock, I'm amazed that you would say something so selfish!" his eyes filled with tears. He looked away. "You know Sock, some people don't get the opportunities that we do and I- I think it's cruel and selfish for you to say something like that," he said, clearly dissapointed. I shoudn't have tried to talk to him. Just then, I heard a floorboard creak and I looked up the stairs. I saw Breadward run into his room and slam the door. 

I knew I messed up. Clorox didn't talk to me for the rest of the day and somehow, the kids didn't either. This was the worst day of my life and everyone knew it. I sat on the couch, letting my face sag into the cushion. I let a single tear slide down my cheek before wiping it. I sniffled. Why did I have to mess everything up? It was rude and ungrateful of me to say such a thing. I thought about it for a while. It was almost an hour later when I decided to go upstairs and talk to Breadward. I knocked on his door. I heard him close a drawer and he opened the door a moment later. He saw my face and slammed the door. I opened it anyway.  I cleared my throat. "Listen Breadward, you have every right to be mad at me an-" "Save it. It's clear you don't like me so I don't see the point in even trying to convince me you do." The door slammed in my face once again.

I tried Clorox' door. "Come in," said his voice from the other side. I opened the door and sat down next to him on our bed. He avoided my gaze. I knew that meant he was still mad. I tried to put my hand on his shoulder but he just shrugged it off. He finally spoke. "Sock, I love you but you need to be more accepting of Breadward. I know he heard our conversation and I'm worried he might try to run away or..." his voice trailed off. I knew what he was thinking. I should've thought about that before I said anything. What have I done?

What would happen when, and if, Breadward tried to kill himself? I would be a monster. What would happen to the kids? And Clorox? Me? I was overwhelmed. I knew everyone was mad at me. Maybe if I stayed out of the house for a bit things will clear up, I thought. I packed my bags and left a note:

Dear Clorox,

I have written this note to tell you that I left for the week. I thought you might need some space after the things I've said. I deeply regret my actions and I hope you and Breadward both can try to forgive me. When I come back, I will be open to whatever you wish to do and I will learn to accept Breadward. Please do not worry about me. I am safe and will be staying at the four cycles downtown. Please let Breadward read this note and tell him that I'm sorry and I hope he will have me back.

Sincerely, Sock

I put down the pen and sighed. The four cycles was expensive, but it would have to do. When I picked up the bags, I almost fell over from the weight that was all my clothing. The four cycles had many rooms available. I chose the top floor because it has the best view of the Laundry Machine. I could see our old house from there! I sometimes missed living so close to the Laundry Machine. When the sun set, I decided to stalk Clorox' instaclean. He had just posted an inspirational quote. It was one of my favorites. An apple a day keeps everyone away... If you throw it hard enough. I sighed. Did he mean that for me? Of course he didn't. I was really starting to lose it.