Page 53 of Cruel Devotion

The sound it produced was more like a gentle waterfall than a regular shower, likely due to its unique design.

Only on Lei’s mountain could such a paradox exist. It was a small haven, a sanctuary of sorts, offering solace amidst the chaos outside.

And as the warm water caressed my body, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this unexpected comfort.

The liquid’s soft moisture soothed my restless muscles and massaged away my aches.

Each droplet felt like a kiss from an angel, washing the doubts and fears away with soothing love.

I grabbed a blue bottle and snickered.

Even their toiletries have to go with their color? Wow.

I squeezed a dollop onto my palm. The turquoise mixture had a thick foamy consistency.

A fruity scent permeated the air.

With gentle circles, I lathered my body with it.

The subtle sounds of the cascading water, combined with the distant chirping of nocturnal creatures outside, lulled me further into a state of relaxation.

Steam rose around my legs.

Every now and then, the water’s temperature would shift ever so slightly, sending a brief chill that only heightened the warm embrace that followed.

I’m taking a shower on a mountain. Can this week get any crazier?

Then, my dad’s bruised and tortured face flashed in my mind along with bloodied chopsticks and crumpled money.

No.

I froze with my hands in the air.

Don’t think about that. There’s no good in remembering that.

A cold shiver sliced through me.

The soothing sensation of the water began to wane as my thoughts consumed me.

Come on, Moni. Get back to the present. You’re on a mountain. In a shower. It smells good in here.

I did my best to push away the horrifying images.

But the memories were like intrusive vines, relentless and overpowering.

I took a deep breath and returned to washing.

The distinct sound of a distant scream cut through the air, muffled but chilling.

I paused.

What was that?

My heart skipped a beat and I instinctively turned off the water, listening intently.

A few seconds later, rhythmic pounding echoed through the night. Maybe it was metal hitting metal or something else.

Hammering?

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