Ch. 1 | Turning a Page...

With a weariness that seemed to weigh down her very soul, Stephanie Mitchell trudged through the imposing entrance of her too-big home. Her shoulders bore the burden of groceries, work items, and her purse, attempting to conquer it all in one go. The day had been long, not exceedingly demanding, but it had taken its toll nonetheless.

As she maneuvered through her too-spacious abode, memories of when her children still lived there flashed before her. The grocery load she now struggled with was nothing compared to those times. Her life had settled into a routine after working for the local hospital as a secretary for decades. And in this moment, all she craved was the blissful respite of curling up with a good book.

With a sigh of relief, she dropped her heavy tote bag near the entrance and kicked off her loafers. Her journey led her straight to the kitchen, where the weight of the groceries reminded her of the mundane responsibilities that dogged her despite her silent protests.

The process of unloading the bags, stuffing fruits, veggies, salmon, and an indulgence of off-her-diet snacks into the fridge and freezer followed. It was an attempt to conjure some energy with the promise of a satisfying meal later. Meanwhile, the ritual of preparing herbal tea and taking her doctor-prescribed medicine to cope with the pressures of work while navigating the ups and downs of menopause provided some semblance of solace. A moment of serenity amidst the chaos.

Her steps eventually led her into the bathroom, where a flick of her wrist illuminated the space with the harsh, bright light from the bulbs over the mirror. A slight sigh escaped her lips as she lit the surrounding candles, noting the need for a cleaning session soon.

Familiar with the routine, she connected her phone to the Bluetooth speaker for the soothing sound of rainfall. As the bathtub filled with warm water, the combination of sounds created a balm for her frayed nerves. Adding a handful of Epsom salts to the water, she watched the fragrant mixture dissolve and swirl like a magical elixir.

As the water level rose, she shed her work clothes, revealing the tired, middle-aged figure beneath. Her hand gently touched the soft flesh around her belly, a reminder of the sacrifices she had made, including the caesarian scar, which served as a symbol of motherhood and the journey she had traversed.

Despite the flaws she perceived, Stephanie couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her stretch marks and body. It had been the vessel that brought life into this world three times. She caught her reflection's gaze and offered herself a small, encouraging smile. "You made it through another day," she whispered, acknowledging the strength that lay within, guiding her towards the upcoming chapter of life - retirement, a few years away.

With a sense of liberation, she turned off the electric lights, enveloping herself in the warm glow emanating from the floral-scented candles. Stepping into the inviting embrace of the bath, she reached for her book, carefully placed on the chair nearby for such indulgent moments. It held her phone, a drink, and, most importantly, a captivating escape into the realms of imagination.

As she settled into the warm embrace of the water, Stephanie felt the stress and tension of the day melting away. Her body found comfort against the porcelain, and her muscles surrendered to the gentle relaxation.

In this sacred moment of tranquility, Stephanie found herself embracing the simple pleasure of a bath. It was a sanctuary where she could rejuvenate, find solace, and cleanse herself of the burdens accumulated throughout the day. Promising to cherish these self-care moments regardless of life's demands, she turned her attention to the book.

Opening the pages, Stephanie inhaled deeply, savoring the combined scents of candles, bath salts, and the paper beneath her fingertips. The story transported her back to where she had left off the previous day, immersed in the adventures of the tale.

The main characters came to life, their love story captivating her heart. The heroine's strength and vulnerability resonated, while the hero's enigmatic past stirred excitement within her. The novel became a vessel through which she could escape from the struggles she faced, providing romance and adventure in a life she had devoted to her children and work.

As she delved deeper into the pages, Stephanie lost herself in the tale, leaving the outside world behind. Her fingers occasionally traced the letters, feeling the texture of the paper. Sometimes, she glanced at the map on the inner binding, following references and clues laid out before her.

With each turn of the page, the plot thickened, and her heart raced with the protagonists' journeys. She cheered for their triumphs, shed tears during moments of heartache, and blushed with delight as their romance blossomed.

The room filled with the soothing sounds of rainfall from the speaker, harmonizing with the rhythm of her heartbeat. The gentle pitter-patter of waterdrops blended with the words on the page, infusing the atmosphere with magic that complemented the fantastical tale.

Sipping her fragrant herbal tea, she relished the warmth that mirrored the cozy atmosphere of the story. Both the tea and the characters became her companions on this journey of escapism and wonder. The prescribed medicine worked in tandem, easing her mind and soothing her aches.

As time lost its meaning, Stephanie remained enthralled by the pages. Unintentionally, she stayed in the bath long after the water had cooled, unable to resist the temptation of one more chapter, promising herself one last glimpse of the story. Eventually, the mesmerizing world of the novel lulled her into a deep slumber, cradled by the embrace of the tub.