The steam rose steadily from the hot water in the shower and the naked woman stood underneath it, motionless for a long time. Every surface of the small bathroom was covered with moisture, created by the thick humidity.
Eventually, the influx of steam tapered off, and finally, the woman began moving, slowly at first but her pace increased as the hot water ran out and the shower grew colder and colder. Eventually, when the water was too cold to be comfortable, she slapped the valves closed, and the water stopped.
Amy Travers stepped out into the steam-filled room and began toweling herself off with little enthusiasm. Wrapping the towel around her body, she slowly wandered out of the bathroom and down the narrow hall to her bedroom.
She settled quietly on the side of the bed, staring into
