the absurd
This detail about handwashing and the roller towel is absurd. This is not an important detail just like the boss says. It's an absurd thing to be organizing his day around and telling the reader about. However, the detail does add to the characterization of the narrator. There is no denial happening in this little anecdote about handwashing. There is also no duty or guilt. He doesn't seem to feel any duty towards anything and he's certainly not feeling guilty, nor is the boss.