DEEP, BOOMING THUDS against the bathroom door accompanied Nathan’s shout of, “Jem!”
“Nathan, you’ll have to wait,” Beth snapped.
The banging ceased, but the lack of retreating steps told me Nathan hadn’t moved away.
Beth nudged me toward the oversized tub, tugged at the hem of my scant clothing. I hadn’t the energy to protest. When she stood at my back and told me to lift my arms, I complied.
She leaned over and stuck in her hand to swish the bubbles. “Okay, get in.”
The water scalded my frozen body, but I blanked it. I drew my knees up and hugged them with my arms, disappearing inside the high-sided bath and the wisps of bubbles crackling against my chin.
“Stay in there. Don’t get out until you’re warm.” Beth strode for the door. As she opened it, Nathan’s body filled the gap. Beth
