The Refresher or ‘Fresher

The Strange & Unusual Universe of Silver Moon Unicorn

(Note: This is a story that I got from the archives Starfire let me access. I tried to put as much fact in as I could and also bring the people in it alive. —Silver Moon Unicorn)

Fred Mueller thought adding a refresher or ‘fresher to the bathroom was a great idea. His niece, Lizette, was a teenager. While she was at school, he went to work on the bathroom.

Starfire came out of her room and found Fred sitting on his knees. She watched him as he grabbed one tool after another. He leaned back and inspected what he had done. Starfire cleared her throat. Fred jerked his head around and saw her.

“What are you doing out here?”

“I was wondering what you were up to. I’ll go back to my room before Lizette comes home.”

“Oh. I would have thought you’d know what I was doing.”

“Something about upgrading the bathroom. What is this new toy?”

“It’s not a new toy. It’s a new utility to help Lizette and I bathe and get ready for any occasion. I’ve know lots of women—”

“Yes, this is true.”

“My niece may want to learn how to do her hair and makeup. I certainly can’t teach her.”

“Neither could I.”

“I figured this refresher or simply ‘fresher will help her with that.”

“What if she doesn’t want to learn?”

“Well, she doesn’t have to, but I thought she’d might. Of course, I know I can get a good shave and massage as well as a good shower.”

“I can give you a massage. Why don’t you just ask me?”

Fred sighed. “That’s right, you’re still learning lots of things. I do recall you did give me a good massage once.”

He leaned toward the new device and went back to work. Starfire sat down next to him to observe his progress. Pretty soon, he was using colorful metaphors. She picked up a tool and handed it to him. He took it and finished the job.

They both stood up and looked at it. The ‘fresher was inside the bathroom, unlike most ‘freshers in other people’s homes. Fred went to the console and programmed it for himself and also for his niece. He smiled. Starfire looked at him, unsure of what it meant. She turned and left the bathroom and walked back to her room. Fred picked up his tools. As he was putting them away, Lizette came home. She went to her room and sat down to do her homework.

Fred knocked on her door. Lizette looked up from her desk and turned her head. “What’s up, Uncle?”

I installed a ‘fresher in the bathroom today. Usually they aren’t set up like that, but I figured you’d appreciate the privacy.”

“Yes, I do like privacy when I need the bathroom.”

“Would you like to see it now? Or are you too busy with homework? We can do it later.”

Lizette stood up. “Now would be good. I’m at a good stopping place.”

They walked across the hallway to the bathroom. Fred showed her the console. “I’ve already programmed a basic cycle for you and one for me. When you’re ready to take your shower, just press this button to activate your cycle and then get in. It’s very simple.”

“Have you tried this yet?”

“No, but I will before long.”

“Oh. Does that mean I’m the guinea pig?”

“Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. I could go first.”

“I’d rather you did.”

“Okay. How about you go back to your homework and I’ll try it out now?”

“Sounds good to me.” She went back to her room.

Fred stripped, pressed his button, and got in the ‘fresher. The water turned on. Then the soap came. He received the best shave ever. He was rinsed. He was air dried. Finally he got a massage from lots of mechanical hands. Once it was over, he stepped out. He felt refreshed and grabbed his bathrobe. He wasted no time going to his room and getting clean clothes. Then he walked over to Lizette’s room.

She just finished her homework when he knocked on her door. She turned her head to look at him. “So, how was it?”

“Wonderful. As you can see, I’m clean shaven. I also got a massage.”

“Oh, a massage. Do I get one of those?”

“Yes, I programmed it to give you one.”

“Okay, I guess it’s my turn then.” She went to her dresser and pulled out some clean clothes.

He got out of her way and walked downstairs to the kitchen.

Once inside the bathroom, Lizette got herself ready for the ‘fresher. She pressed the button and stepped inside. The water came on first. It was warm and soothing. Next, the soap came out. She scratched her scalp while she was getting soapy. Then she was rinsed off with more warm water. Warm air dried her skin and hair. Then the hands came out to give her a massage. It was certainly relaxing, except for one thing. Some of the hands came out with brushes, hairspray, and makeup. Her eyes widened as they deftly made up her. Soon it was all over. She stepped out and looked at herself in the mirror.

This would not do for her! Her eyes wide and mouth gaping, she went to console and checked the programming. She wasted no time in switching the presets. She smiled as she went to the sink to wash off the makeup and get the hairspray out of her hair. She got dressed and then walked downstairs to join Fred in the kitchen.

She was still smiling with wet hair when she sat down at the table. Fred was busy preparing dinner for the two of them. He remembered, finally, that she wouldn’t eat any meat, so he gave her some nuts instead. He put them in her salad. Once done, he set the food on the table and then turned around to get drinks. He sat down.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing.” She focused on her food.

“Did you try the ‘fresher or did you bath the old fashioned way?”

“Both.”

“Hmmm.”

Lizette focused on her salad.

“Fine. Keep it to yourself.”

She kept smiling.

“I have a date tonight. Will you behave yourself while I’m gone?”

“Of course.”

“Yeah, you better. What’ll you do tonight?”

“Probably read or play the piano or violin. Maybe I’ll watch a movie.”

“Okay, just don’t disturb the neighbors.”

“When have I ever disturbed the neighbors?”

“Never, but there’s always a first time.”

The next day, Lizette was at her desk working on her homework. Her uncle went to use the ‘fresher. She heard the water come on and stifled a giggle. She heard him use some colorful metaphors. She put her hand over her mouth, but some giggles slipped out.

Fred came to her door. “I know what you did.”

She laughed and turned around to see him. She laughed harder.

“Okay. I guess I still have a lot to learn about women.”

She kept laughing.

“How about we go to the ‘fresher console and change our basic cycles?”

“Okay.” She laughed some more.