Once she heard the bedroom door click, indicating that Arthur was gone, Maria quickly shed the wet, heavy clothing she had on that was weighing her down.
Everything hit the floor with a plop sound, and Maria walked over to the bath and gently eased herself in the warm water.
She felt her body relax as the inviting water warmed her. The soapy bubbles smelled like lavender and oranges, and Maria instantly felt refreshed. She laid her head back and closed her eyes as she enjoyed the peacefulness she felt.
Only a couple of minutes passed before Maria heard the bedroom door and Arthur shuffling around in his bedroom.
"I've laid your clothes out on the bed when you're ready for them," Arthur called from the other room.
"Thank you," she called out for him to hear.
Maria continued to enjoy the warmth and the good smells of the bath until she heard rustling near her.
