Chapter 106

The water was soothing, with heavy layers of chamomile and jasmine enveloping me in a warm embrace. I could feel the soft caress of the bubbles and the silky touch of the water massaging my muscles as it lapped tenderly against my skin. Through fluttering eyelids that resisted consciousness, I stared numbly at the bathroom over the edge of the porcelain tub. White candles flickered gently and I watched the tiny flames emit their comforting glow across the deep red and cream brocade wallpaper. An ornately framed mirror decorated the wall above the marble basin and a foggy haze of condensation covered the glass, clouding the room's reflection. In the corner stood a large antique dresser, upon which was an intricately painted vase with a gilded rim, bursting with beautiful cream roses. I recalled touching petals just like them before, relishing the feeling of velvety softness under my fingertips. The memories tugged painfully on my mind and I struggled to banish them from my head, not wan