the        
                
    shower    
                    
                                
               deep below               
   ground level, several elevators down,  
   in the dark water where the surface    
  light doesn't reach, and warmth comes   
 mostly from below - here is the shower.  
                                          
  it is dark. you strip, and it's cold.   
   your feet feel the cold stone floor,   
   your hands find the rubber handles to  
        guide you into the cabin.         
                                          
       and then, the hot water, the       
     underground rain. drenching you,     
   lathering you. infused with oils and   
  scents. and then, also from above, the  
    shower creatures. first their black   
  velvet arms, touching, and then entire  
        bodies. chests and snouts.        
                                          
  the creatures are meant to comfort you, 
   keep you entranced, and keep you from  
    leaving the cabin prematurely. this   
  whole ordeal works best if you are not  
  transformed too early, and are instead  
 allowed to enjoy the shower for a while. 
                                          
    you are steamed, caressed, cleaned,   
    modified, liquified; dissolved and    
     drained... and then brought back,    
   slowly, waking as the water dries off  
    of you. cabin open to the cold air    
  tickling your fresh-born mind. creature 
        hands gone, you step out.         
                                          
    later, elevator back up. new body.