Charlotte woke up well after the sun had risen. A long time sufferer, or as Charlotte would say, "enjoyer", of insomnia, this morning she really enjoyed sleeping in. Her eyes still closed, as she shifted towards the left, she let the sheets slide across her abdomen and hips. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been in bed so long. It felt good; real good.
A nurse walked in. "Would you like a shower?"
Charlotte almost said, "Alone?" Meaning, no kids, no interruptions, and with plenty of hot water. Instead she said, "Sure."
The shower met all her needs. It was hot, long and there was a bench on which she rested her weary soul as the water rained down. Washing away the tension and worry that had mounted the days before. Then just as she was pruning nicely there was a knock at the door.
"Mom." It was SArah. "Are you in there?"
"IF I say no, would you believe me?"
"What are you doing? We've been here for 15 minutes."
That was it? Only 15 minutes, max in the shower. It felt like a lifetime. But it would being the first time in 15 years she hadn't been interrupted, walked in on, or joined by a minor. Sam knew better. He'd heard her castigating the girls. "No, I shower alone. It's the only alone time I have." And then they would walk in anyway. But it was worth it. How else would she know that it only takes a 15 minute shower to relieve all sorts of tension.
"I'll be out in a minute."
"Do you want me to come in and help you?" Not waiting for an answer Sarah opened the door and seated herself down in the little dressing area.
"No, I think I can handle it," offered Charlotte. Wondering if her eldest would take the hint.
"Well," said Sarah, "then I'll just wait."
Turning her face up into the warm pulse of water, Charlotte noted: Hint not taken, and laughed. Nothing could get to her now. She was that relaxed.
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