Page 53 of Cruel Devotion
The sound it produced was more like a gentle waterfall than a regular shower, likely due to its unique design.
Only on Lei’s mountain could such a paradox exist. It was a small haven, a sanctuary of sorts, offering solace amidst the chaos outside.
And as the warm water caressed my body, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this unexpected comfort.
The liquid’s soft moisture soothed my restless muscles and massaged away my aches.
Each droplet felt like a kiss from an angel, washing the doubts and fears away with soothing love.
I grabbed a blue bottle and snickered.
Even their toiletries have to go with their color? Wow.
I squeezed a dollop onto my palm. The turquoise mixture had a thick foamy consistency.
A fruity scent permeated the air.
With gentle circles, I lathered my body with it.
The subtle sounds of the cascading water, combined with the distant chirping of nocturnal creatures outside, lulled me further into a state of relaxation.
Steam rose around my legs.
Every now and then, the water’s temperature would shift ever so slightly, sending a brief chill that only heightened the warm embrace that followed.
I’m taking a shower on a mountain. Can this week get any crazier?
Then, my dad’s bruised and tortured face flashed in my mind along with bloodied chopsticks and crumpled money.
No.
I froze with my hands in the air.
Don’t think about that. There’s no good in remembering that.
A cold shiver sliced through me.
The soothing sensation of the water began to wane as my thoughts consumed me.
Come on, Moni. Get back to the present. You’re on a mountain. In a shower. It smells good in here.
I did my best to push away the horrifying images.
But the memories were like intrusive vines, relentless and overpowering.
I took a deep breath and returned to washing.
The distinct sound of a distant scream cut through the air, muffled but chilling.
I paused.
What was that?
My heart skipped a beat and I instinctively turned off the water, listening intently.
A few seconds later, rhythmic pounding echoed through the night. Maybe it was metal hitting metal or something else.
Hammering?
