As I dipped my body into the water, it seared me like a lobster set to boil. The welcoming heat numbed and enveloped my weary muscles.

Flickering candlelight splashed across my escape which pages have become withered from steam and my damp fingers turning them to delve deeper into this other world.

Beads of salty dew slid down from my forehead. I poured fresh water over my shoulders and head, gasping from the too cool refreshment. Ice from the glass of water beside me all but melted, except one glistening cube I used to caress the nape of my neck until, regretfully, it vanished from under my fingertips.

I massaged my scalp with the silky scent of rose and water lilies. That fragrance mixed with the lingering bubbles and now half melted candles, and as I closed my eyes and leaned my head back to rinse my hair, I felt I was lying in a flower garden.

My heart was racing as that of a marathon runner; my face just as flushed, when the almost sickening warmth of the water had somewhat subsided. I stepped out and the line of where flesh met water was still evident as I let the gentle breeze of the fan cool my tingling body.