Grease Stains, Kismet, and Maternal Wisdom

  ***

  Samantha was naked in a bathtub, sitting in a few inches of warm water. My hand was pressed flat against her back. I’d just washed my face and my hands and brushed my teeth. From a small cup, she poured water over her head. I was next to the tub, on my knees. The water in the tub was low, but I was overflowing. I dropped my head onto my arm.

  “I really do love you,” I whispered.

  Then I wanted to cry. But I didn’t.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  I nodded.

  “Yeah…I’m okay,” I said.

  I picked up my head and looked at Samantha. She was sitting in the tub, naked, all wet, and she looked so innocent, so pretty, so…fucking trusting. I was moved, completely. My eyes were sad and she recognized my sadness and we kissed. I felt better then. Samantha made me feel better.