at day’s close

The water gushing from the tap slams against the water below sending bubbles and currents ripping through it. The drain plug’s chain dances a slow, wavering sort of dance; the water its partner. The bubbles drift towards the other end. Thousands at first, but many quickly rise to the surface. The few that remain quickly spread out and reach a little further until they too rise.

The roar of the water echos around the clean tiled room. The temperature rises slightly as does the humidity. A worn but clean towel hangs on the rack, a missing space beside it. Upon the floor next to a clawed porcelain foot rests the second towel; folded neatly, a book resting on top. Beside the towel is a glass of ice water. Condensation coats the outside.

Further away from the bath, and therefore safe from any insueing splashes, lies a pile of clothes. They are rumpled and thrown in a heap, clearly ready for the laundry. A fluffy robe hangs from a peg on the closed door, waiting to be worn. 

Among all of this stands you. Shivering slightly but you know it won’t be long until you’re surrounded by warmth. It’s been a long day, stressful and fast paced. You want nothing more than to relax and let the day go little by little. 

The water is at your favorite depth now. You turn off the tap, listening to the faint squeek as you do so. You will need to  fix that, but now is not the time. Now is the time to relax. 

You are eager now, lifting your leg and plunging your foot into the water. It is too hot and you snatch it back out again. However, you don’t feel like being patient. So you step in; waving your hands around in an effort to combat the heat felt by your shins and feet. 

A second or two later you’ve begun to adjust. You move to the end and taking a deep breath, sit down. Your hands wave around for a little longer, but just like before your body quickly adapts. You release a large sigh, one fit for a giant, and close your eyes. You’ll read in a second, but right now all you want to do is let time slow down to a crawl. You let your mind relax and let the tension go from your body. You take another deep breath; your eyes open. 

The day seems to melt away from the heat of the water. You can feel everything relaxing. Relief overcomes you and a small smile finds its way onto your face. 

You are amazed, again, at the simple joy of a bath at the close of the day.