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I set my axe down next to the oak coffee table and ran a hand through my hair, wincing as I caught a knot. When had I last washed it? Three days ago? Four? “Why don’t we get cleaned up before we have something to eat?”

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” Kirby headed straight for the table where we’d left our clothing and toiletries. “Bad news for you guys, though. I’m taking the big bathroom and the first shower. Fight me.”

I gave her a weary smile. “I don’t have the energy for violence. Go for it.”

She was halfway down the hall before I’d finished speaking, boots stomping, lock flicking on the bathroom door. Soon after, the pipes creaked to life and water rushed through the walls, the sound so unbelievably normal that all I could do was stand there and take it in.

Imagine that. Running water—warm, if we were lucky. We’d end the day properly clean for the first time since we’d hit the road.

“Hallelujah,” Kirby called out, her voice echoing in the stall. “It’s hot.”

Luke’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Take the ensuite. I’ll keep watch.”

“Are you sure?”

He nodded.

Before he could change his mind, I took the necessary items from the pile on the table and headed straight for the bedroom at the end of the hall.

Avoiding eye contact with the smiling couple in the portrait on the wall, I dropped my clothes on the patchwork quilt and toed off my sneakers. Just as my feet sank into the plush carpet, the hum of heating kicked in, and warm air floated down from the ceiling vents.

I said a silent thanks to Luke as I took my toiletries into the white-tiled ensuite.

Soon after I turned on the tap, steam curled upward in invitation, and I couldn’t wait a second longer. I tore everything off and dived under the spray, sighing as heat sank into my skin and tense muscles loosened.

As dirty water swirled down the drain, I covered myself in sweet-smelling shower gel and scrubbed and scrubbed, erasing the last couple of days from my skin.

Then, out of nowhere, my chest grew tight and my hands went still.

The running, the noise, the constant feeling of being on edge… it caught up to me all at once.

My throat burned, and before I could stop it, a noise choked from me, swept away with the rushing water.

I pressed my forehead to the tiles and closed my eyes. “Shit.”

It took me a few harsh breaths to calm myself, my stomach tensing as I forced it back down. Even then, I kept my eyes closed and let the water slide over me, the warmth seeping into my bones.

When it had passed, I straightened and covered my face, sighing through my fingers.

Enough now. You’re safe. Focus on what’s next.

I finished quickly after that, washing and conditioning my hair.

By the time I stepped out and wrapped a towel around myself, my pulse had settled.

Taking more care than usual, I dressed slowly, pulling on clean underwear and leggings, then a long-sleeved thermal. I threw an oversized grey hoodie over the top, almost ready to join the others again.

After brushing the tangles from my hair, I wove the long lengths into a braid and tied off the end.

When I opened the bedroom door, the chill had already left the hallway.

Kirby’s shower had stopped at some point, and movement came from the main living area. Normal sounds, like we were gathering to watch a movie together.

Luke was crouched near the coffee table with the box of food open in front of him.

Kirby hadn’t reappeared yet.

He looked up at the sound of my footsteps and paused, checking for something that I hoped was no longer visible.