Washes Over Me Novels & Stories

Dragging myself out of bed, I stumbled towards the bathroom, feeling like a shell of my usual self. Under the steady stream of hot water, I let the droplets cascade over me, washing away the emotional weight that clung to my body. The water felt like liquid rejuvenation, gradually reviving my senses. I let the fatigue seep out of my muscles and disappear down the drain as I stood there, allowing the shower to wash away the physical and mental weariness.

I was supposed to be stronger than this. I'm not sure if I actually cry or not. It's easy enough to pretend they don't, what with the shower spray pouring down my face. By the time I finish washing all of the "apocalypse dust" off of me and step out of the shower, I've gone completely numb inside.

"I need to clean the wound." "It burns," I whisper, tears pricking my eyes again. "I know. The water will help." He helps me step over the ledge of the walk-in shower. The water is raining down from the massive ceiling head, warm and heavy. He steps in with me, fully clothed. He doesn't care about his expensive slacks or his crisp shirt. He just wants to scrub the rebellion off my skin. The water hits me, and I gasp. It feels incredible. It feels like clearing. I lean back against the tiled wall, letting the spray soak my hair, letting it run down my face, washing away the salt of my tears.

That drive must have worked way too well. I eventually get off my back and head into the bathroom. I strip and step into the shower, standing directly under the full blast of the water. The water doesn’t just wash my tears away. It also washes away any shreds of lingering hope. It takes with it the hurt, the bitterness. And leaves behind a strong resolution. My fresh start is long overdue.

I rinsed and spat into the sink, watching as the water carried away the foamy residue. Stepping under the stream of the shower, I let out a sigh of relief as the warm water cascaded over my body. The droplets embraced me like a gentle embrace, soothing my muscles and washing away the fatigue that clung to my bones. I closed my eyes, allowing the sensations to envelop me, a temporary respite from the weight of my responsibilities.

If I've wronged you or another human in anyway, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I put on the shower and stood underneath it. I let the water cascade down my body but it wasn't able to wash away the filthiness I felt on my body. I just wish I could just disappear.

I have a greater vision for myself. I quickly peel off the dress and step into the shower where I lather myself with soap, scrubbing myself from head to toe over and over again like I usually do until my skin becomes raw and red. One time. I dry myself after that before stepping into the shower again. Two times. And again, I start the ritual of washing my body once more. Three times, four times, five times….I keep bathing myself over and over again until I am truly clean.

I needed to wash the feeling of their contempt off me. I made my way to the bathroom, the echo of Juliana’s threat still ringing in my ears. The sound of my own footsteps, usually so silent, felt heavy and deliberate in the sudden quiet of the room. I turned on the shower, letting the water run until it was scalding hot, the hiss and rush filling the small space. I stripped off my clothes and stepped under the burning spray, letting it beat down on my head, my shoulders, trying to cleanse not just the sweat, but the lingering residue of their venom.

I’ve been whispering this to myself, or more like muttering the words to myself. As much as my skin is irritated, I have washed myself off of the scent of the triplet sweats and all of the sex. The icy sensation overwhelms me again, intoxicating my mind with bad thoughts, and I run back inside the shower. I am naked anyway, so I just walk under the sprinkling, warm water.

Between us. And no amount of showers was going to wash that away.