I gritted my teeth. I’d powered through then, and—I moved to stand, and… “Yep. Nope.” I dropped my head in resignation, the water steadily growing colder. “Not happening.”
With great effort, I reached up and shut off the water, knowing the temperature would only continue to drop. This was not good. I was sopping wet, unable to move, and my phone was sitting downstairs on the kitchen counter. In my current state, it might as well be on Mars.
I tried to move into child’s pose. No use. It seemed as if even the slightest movement provoked an immediate protest from my body. I stared at the floor of the tub—tracing the intricate pattern of the drain plug as I panted from my latest exertion.
Okay. Okay.I’d just give it a minute.
I glanced around, barely moving, as if a solution would present itself. But the longer I stayed, the more chilled I got. And my already tight muscles were clenching painfully—trying to stabilize my back and brace against the cold.
I remained there I didn’t know how long, my legs pressed against the icy tub as I began to shiver. But every time I tried to stand or move, my muscles locked up, forcing me back to where I’d started. This was a terrible way to die. And to think—I’d be found naked, with blue lips and frizzy hair. I knew it was ridiculous, but tears sprang to my eyes, nevertheless.
I thought about my father in his final moments. Had he known he was going to die? Somehow sensed it? Had he experienced pain? Regret? Had he thought of me? Tears streamed down my face, burning hot against my skin before running down the drain.
There was a knock downstairs, and I jerked before my body had me yelping with pain.
“Hello?” Ethan called. “Anyone home?”
“Help!” I shouted. “Help!”
“Audrey?” His deep voice rumbled up the stairs, followed by his footsteps.
Oh thank god.“Up here!”
His footsteps slowed, and I realized he was near. Just before the door opened, I yelled, “Wait!”
“I thought you needed help.” I could hear the impatience in his tone.
What the hell was I thinking?I was balled up naked in the claw-foot tub with nothing to cover myself with.
“I’m coming in,” he said, making me realize I’d never responded. But it was too late; the door was already opening. “You’re not going to pepper spray me again, are you?”
“No!” I cried. “My back went out in the shower, and I’m naked.”There, I’d said it.
“I’ll cover my eyes and throw a towel over you.” Why did he sound so annoyed with me? It wasn’t like I’dchosento have this happen. To be in pain. To have to have him—of all people—rescue me. “Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Here it comes.” The giant terry cloth blanketed me, and I sighed with relief. At least the cold was a little more bearable.
“Thank you.” My teeth chattered.
“Jesus. How long have you been stuck like that?”
“I don’t know.”
“Can you move?”
I scowled at the tub, pretending it was his face. “What do you think?”
He responded with, “I’m going to have to pick you up.”
“Pick me up?” I shrieked. “I, um… No.”
“Well, do you have any other bright ideas, hotshot?”
“No,” I finally admitted.
“Here we go.”
