--
''[Day Two - Morning Hair Washing]''
The next morning arrived with perfect weather—sunny but not too hot, with a gentle breeze.
Samuel had clearly been dreading this commitment he'd made, but he was too honorable to back out now.
He helped Heena heat water and prepare the washing area with stiff, awkward movements.
Heena made everything as easy and non-threatening as possible.
She sat on a low stool with her back to him, her hair draped over the edge of the washing basin.
"Just pour the water slowly and help me rinse out the soap," she instructed. "I can do most of it one-handed, I just need help with the parts I can't reach."
Samuel poured water with extreme care, as if handling explosives.
His hands accidentally brushed against her neck and shoulders a few times while helping to distribute the soap and rinse it out.
Each time, he flinched like he'd been burned.
But he didn't run away.
