Return home

The Evening Ritual and Sleep

Jessica opened the door with her elbow, put the Walmart bags on the table, and still held Jason in her arms. The warm lights of the house came on; the scent of vanilla and calm wafted again. Jason was tired, but no longer shy; just peaceful, like a child who has finally reached home.

Jessica walked straight toward the bathroom. She left the door ajar, and turned on the hot water tap. Steam slowly rose, covering the mirror. She sat Jason on the edge of the tub, gently removed his clothes; T-shirt, shorts, all folded and set aside. Jason was naked, his pale, thin skin glistening in the bathroom light.

Jessica also took off her own clothes; the suit, the pantyhose, all set aside. Now it was just her, with her warm, soft 92-kg body. She took Jason into her arms again, and stepped into the tub. The warm water reached their waists. Jessica sat with her back against the tub wall, placing Jason on her lap; exactly as always, his head on her chest, his legs between hers.

She picked up the soft washcloth, poured liquid soap, and created white foam. First, she washed Jason's shoulders, then his back, then his chest. Her movements were gentle, circular, like a massage. Jason closed his eyes, his breathing deepened. Jessica washed his hair, rinsed it, and washed it again. Then she cleaned his face with her fingers, his forehead, cheeks, chin.

Jason was completely relaxed in her arms.

Jessica occasionally kissed his forehead, sometimes his ear, sometimes she just breathed and held him.

The water was warm, there was steam, there was

[silence.

No

](http://silence.No) words were needed.

When the washing was done, Jessica wrapped the large towel around both of them. She lifted Jason and carried him to the bedroom. She placed him on the bed, and lay down beside him. She put the towel aside, and took Jason into her arms again; skin to skin, warm to warm.

"Now just sleep, babe."

Jason rested his head on Jessica's chest.

His breathing calmed.

And in Jessica's embrace,

in his new home,

he slept.

Like always.

Like home.