𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞
Everything burned and ached. What didn't burn outright pulsed like a heartbeat beneath my skin. I had to grit my teeth to get through the bathing process as the new lady helped me. I didn't even squirm from my own nakedness nor at the fact that my burn scars were out in the open. I knew I had to get used to this service. And for the first time, I was actually grateful; at least I didn't need to move my sore body too much.
Once she was done, she helped me up and out of the bath.
I could feel her assessing my body, studying it for goodness knew what. I did not even attempt to cover myself up.
She said nothing, but I could read her face. The gears in her head were turning.
She draped a towel over my shoulder and guided me into the waiting bedroom. I limped, remembering the first time I had been made to do fifty squats by my coach.
My thigh had hurt for weeks, climbing stairs impossible. But I had healed.
