Through the ripples she glimpsed her bright red toes. The foam seemed to enhance their color and she admired how bright and perfect they were. Floating on her back, time slipped away. The water blanketed her ears from any distracting sounds, and she closed her eyes to allow the water’s movement to lull her into a meditative state. With out the distractions of noise, her breath echoed loudly. Deep breaths in and long exhales out.

           She could feel the buoyancy of her body change. Her senses were heightened and yet muffled. The water hugged her flesh like a second skin. It sensuously filled every space. Taking a breath, she submerged. Timelessness, that was what this was, she thought. As her mind wandered she wondered why she did not take this time more regularly. Below her the smooth white bottom yielded no life, only reassurance that things could be calm.

           As her breath gave out, she slowly released air bubbles that popped quietly amidst the surface froth. It wasn’t often that she prinked and pronked, so this was a luxury. As she slowly emerged, her senses caught the silken texture of the emollients, and the scent of lavender that would linger a while.  Wrapping herself in the ample terry cloth robe, she stepped out of her inner sanctum and into the quiet house. The peace would linger with her for at least the night.

           This escape from the drama and pain of the past two weeks caused her to reflection on just how much she abused herself; always working, never stopping. Now, in paradise, she had stopped. The crackling fire from the front room lured her out of the bath and cast its comforting spell. The glowing light made her feel calm and safe. What was it about firelight? She mused. Moths were attracted to the flame; she felt enveloped and wondered when she would morph and emerge from the safety of her cocoon and find the light.