We did it to save water, or told ourselves we did--showering together. Assorted anomalies wrecked havoc with ship's systems, including plumbing.

 

Brisk ritual thus becomes sensuous duty--soaping his strong back while he rinses that soft dark hair. Purposeful motion becomes caressing--his hands make me feel human again.

 

Partial loss of gravity in mid-shower veils us in water droplets. Some trick of the light makes them iridescent. Beautiful, I murmur to myself. Then Malcolm turns in my arms and I see his smile...for me.

 

At least there are moments where the world can still sparkle and delight.

Copyright Mareel, 9/26/03