Steam.  The water was hot enough that steam rolled about the bathroom, covering the mirror, the glass sliding doors, and the smooth granite tiled shower with a damp mist like a wool blanket.  I opened my eyes as the water splashed down around me, slipping through my hair, dripping from the peaks and valleys of my skin, mingling quietly with my tears and sliding wordlessly down the drain. 

            The water washes the tears away, but the pain remains, dry and tight, staring me in the face.  I close my eyes and let the tears flow over my cheeks, the water over my shoulders hanging my head as I rest my forehead against the cool green tile.  “Ashley…..”

            The metallic tink of the doorknob locking sounded alien in the calm rhythmic drum of the spray.

            “Hello?…is someone there?” Pressing my palm against the glass, I swipe aside the condensation and peer through the cleared window.  The accelerating throb of the pulse in my ears drowns out the gurgling drain.

            I sift through the murky fog with my eyes, scanning, until suddenly, I find another set staring back at me.  My breathing quickens as they step out of the gray unknown, walking towards me, brown eyes staring back at me with a serious expression. 

            “Ashley,” I say, trying to slide the shower door open. She’s just on the other side.. so close I can almost touch her.. but the door won’t budge.  I bang my fist against it and slap my palm flat against the glass, staring into Ashley’s blank eyes.  “Ashley!”

            A shadow passes over her face and she raises her hand, pressing it flat against the opposite side of the glass where mine lays.  Her eyes search my soul through the glass.  Her lips part and silently mouth the words I love you. I feel the cool trail of fresh tears on my face I whisper, “I love you Ashley…”

            BRRIinngggBRiiinng         BRrinnnnggBRiinnng

            The obnoxious blare of the cell phone woke Spencer with a start as it bounced of the cold bare walls of her bedroom. 

            “Mmmmm h..hello?” I mumbled, trying not to sound like the living dead.  “Spencer? Hey.” I smiled, hearing the smile on the face I loved so much.