Now I want to have a bath.

The bath tub is all white porcelain, smooth to the touch and reflective. It gives a glowing suggestion of the one bulb over head. The brass fixtures do not detract from the purity or the form, and while utilitarian in use they still speak of the classic concept everyone has when they think of a luxurious hot bath.

Turning on the water allows a crystal clear stream to jet out of the mixer taps; each tap has been adjusted to achieve a tolerable heat. A small dash of bath oils and liquid soap have already begun to react, creating small floating islands of bubbles each one tugging at the plug chain.

Out of the turmoil where the falling stream strikes the slowly rising water level each new bubble climbs. Larger bubbles drag with them their smaller brethren to the far unknown oceans. Masses of tiny bubbles cling together stacking one on top of another, ever higher with new layers forming under the last, slowly reaching for the sides which bring greater stability. Eventually the entire surface forms into a collection of valleys and hills.

The heat of the water in the cold room has added steam to the tiled surfaces; the shaving mirror also now serves no use but as a place to draw reflective doodles. Ventilation from the extractor fan whisks the humid air away, gaseous escapees fleeing the building to join their nimbus and cumulus cousins.

Condensing on the walls the steam rolls down toward the cork floor, trickling along. Beads of moisture race carefree and follow uncharted tracks, joining forces to gain speed and make headway, the bigger droplets are clearly cheating.

Patiently, and without any agenda the towels sit to one side. They feel the air currents brushing past their soft and warm threads. Waiting for the experience to come and pass their time without hurry or bustle. Like them the book awaits the experience but unlike the calm fearless towels this novel does not embrace the liquid terror that approaches.

One other body of liquid sits nearby, a rich dark red wine, the bottle standing open and proud upon the porcelain, beside it a glass two thirds full. Both containers are dappled in dew like buds. Small puddles form beneath their base, where the steam slowly drains back into the tub rejoining the main body of water.

This is going to be a most enjoyable bath.

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401 Words