Chapter 2

Time to take a shower. Sometimes it was easier to just forget what happened in the world, the realities of his life and the thoughts in his mind, and simply savor the comfort of flowing, butterscotch-fragrance lather along his body. Parker closed his eyes as water washed down the sweet-smelling suds. He’d always loved the delicate scent and warm water on his body. Tight knots in his neck had loosened up and his eyes stopped stinging.

Parker turned back and rested against the tiles beneath the shower. They felt cool on his skin, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the water and his own body. He drew a deep breath. Something must still be wrong for his breath was still stuttering. He couldn’t help but sob a little. No, he couldn’t forget what happened or whowas still living in his mind. Reaching for one of the dry, fluffy towels outside the shower booth, Parker simply wrapped it around his hips, not caring to dry himself first.