The pool sat deep in the cave rock, fed by an underground spring, steam rose off the surface in slow curls. Rodrigo sat with his arms submerged inside, half his body under, his eyes closed shut. His chest rising and falling in rhythm.
Seven and Caleb stood at the other end. Every few minutes one of them looked at the other. Neither said anything.
He'd been submerged since sunrise and it was almost noon and he had not moved, but they knew better than to say a word or interrupt him. They just waited.
Then finally his eyes opened.
Seven crossed to him immediately with the towel and folded clothes. Rodrigo took them, dried off, dressed, and turned toward the exit without a single word to any of them. The light at the cave mouth was bright, it was past noon already.
He stopped just outside, his eyes lifting as he stared into the distance.
Seven was saying something behind him, but the words didn't register. All he could think about was last night.
