Chapter Eleven

As I prepare their water bath with the flower-scented soap, I start to feel nostalgic but resolutely resist the urge to dive in and start blowing bubbles like a young child.

I exit the restroom without giving it a second thought and make my way to the jar of pearls. I start by adorning each of their garments while I thread my needle. Compared to the well-known hand-made coat of many colors, this is more difficult. One individual being subjected to this chore just serves to highlight how nasty one can be.

The alpha females enter, weary and covered in perspiration. Some walk toward the restroom, drawn by the scent of lavender. Some people go for water bottles to quench their thirst.

Unlike them, we don't have the luxury of taking a warm bath or using the finest soap or hair wash. Ironically, I'm waiting for them to exit the water and ask for a gentle massage, we eat last and perform chores with sore muscles.

This is all unfair, and now that I think about it, I wish I was more girlie