Chapter 11

Slowly and reluctantly, she uncovered her eyes. She blinked, closed her eyes, and blinked again. Streaks of sunlight penetrated the window and blinded her. She sat up, dragged her feet off the bed, and rubbed her knuckles onto her eyes. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned, reciting her morning supplication. She watched her legs dangle above the off-white polyester carpet.

She stripped down and stepped slowly into the tub, turning the water on high and letting it beat over her head in steamy rivulets. Closing her eyes to the water as the heat soaked into her pale skin, she leaned against the cool tiles as her weak legs threatened to buckle.

The shower curtain was ripped back and she flinched. She gasped, covering her chest as the water cascaded down her body and massaged muscles long past cramped.

"Babe," he sighed, the exasperation clear in his tone.

"What are you doing?" she asked, panicking and raising her brows at the same