Turning, she entered the bathroom and gripped the hinged wood with her right hand to push it closed.  She halted its movement just short of hearing the door’s mechanism click.  Examining the shelves, things were positioned exactly as she remembered.  A film of dust was noticeable on the lowest ledge but otherwise everything was neat.  A few belongings remained but the rest of the space her things previously occupied remained empty. 

Exhaling a full breath, she reached to turn the taps on.  Waiting for the water to reach the preferred temperature she looked up.  She moved her head, first left then right.

The mirror was clear and gleaming.  It had been wiped clean recently.  Pursing her lips, she studied her reflection.  There was a noticeable tiredness in the hazel depths.  Inching closer, she observed the drained stare and something else.  An element that had been absent in the recent past.  Married with the tired look was a suggestion, an insinuation of…calm.   

Yes the revelations had been difficult.  But they also provided answers and as a consequence, a peace about Bette’s affair.  About her own lacking.  About the competing roles that contributed to the difficulties in their relationship. 

Clearly, there was more that they needed to discuss.  More than the day would allow.  That realization didn’t really bother her today.  The feeling of not having to rush prevailed upon her mind. 

With that awareness, she cupped a handful of water and finished what she came here to do.

—

Wanting to be productive, Bette used the break to raise the shades.  Pulling the last cord she anchored it using the decorative hook, effectively illuminating the living area with the late morning’s rays.  Reaching upward she tested the cord’s tautness distractedly. 

The morning ostensibly passed quickly yet inched forward at different junctures.  All the same, every moment was seared into memory.  She took an extra minute to enjoy the rarely witnessed weekday scene.  Birds were chirping their delight and muffled voices meant activity in neighboring houses. 

The warmth in the air whispered there was no need to worry but the conversation had not been easy thus far.  Words previously unarticulated and unexpected admissions were verbalized in the hours that passed.  In ways they had uncovered much yet also, only scratched the surface.  The truth was painful but also liberating.  It shook both women without question.