Place Observation #2

We all sit, tying our ribbons on our shoes. No one talks, which is unusual for us. Everyone is very keen on tying the ribbons perfectly. We sit on the floor and the benches loom just about eye level, as if taunting us with their comfortable seats. It smells like sweat, water, wet chrome, and rosin. Usually I enjoy the combination but today it makes me sick. Someone walks up the stairs holding a Clorox sanitizing wipe. This only adds to the unpleasant combination of smells. There is a sense of orderly chaos around me. Bags, shoes, tights, and leotards are strewn everywhere, yet everyone knows exactly where they left their own. There won't be even one discrepancy over which thing belongs to whom.