Chapter 35

Excited to spend the day with Micah, I wake up early and run to my bathroom. Unfortunately, the packhouse being an old castle has not yet been modernised. I’ve complained to my mum and dad about it, but they say the castle is perfect the way it is and that what is good for the gander is good for the goose. So it’s apparently good to put more effort into things such as pumping the water ourselves instead of simply turning on a tap. So I begrudgingly pump the water into the large, round wooden tub. Once it’s full, I reach for the bowl of rose petals and scatter a handful into the water. Steam rises above the water along with the aroma of the petals. I pull off my nighty, toss it aside, and step into the water. Slowly submerging myself in the tub, I hold my breath for as long as possible. I fantasise I’m in the ocean, and Micah is swimming toward me. His hand reaches out towards mine. My hand mimics his, reaching out to his. Our fingers touch, and we clasp our fingers together. Micah’s