Lydia sat quietly in the water of the bath chamber pool. The steam rose gently, wrapping around her body, but the warmth did nothing for the pain inside her heart. She felt heavy, as though even her soul was sinking beneath the water. Her arms rested on the edge of the pool, her eyes fixed on the ripples, but she wasn't really looking at them. She was lost in her thoughts, in the cruel echo of words that would not leave her mind.
The door opened softly. The sound was gentle, almost like a whisper, but it reached Lydia. She turned her head slightly and saw Katherine walking in. Katherine had changed into dry clothes now. Her hair was tied back neatly, though some strands still looked damp. In her hands, she carried a tray. On it sat a pot of hot tea, steam curling up into the air, along with small plates of fruits and cookies.
