Under the Fluttering Begonia Petals

"Hey, hey, what are you guys talking about?"

Calix's voice pulled Leslie out of her trance. Lifting her chin, she saw the man returning with another bowl full of water.

"We're talking about the boats..." replied Leslie in a half-truth, not intending to bring up about Calliope's drowning incident to Calix, "Should we go... boating later?"

"It's a must! Before that, wash your hands ah. Are you gonna play with the soap?"

Calix glanced at Leslie's hands slimy with the citrusy soap bubbles. He made a face, acting as if he was looking at a naughty child.

Raising her hands slowly, Leslie threatened, "Wanna taste some of this... soap?"

"No, thanks."

Calix scoffed, immediately rebutted Leslie's threat. Crouching on the ground, he proceeded to wash her hands with the water.

"Should I just carry you to the faucet?" asked Calix while watching the water dripping down Leslie's hands, rinsing the bubbles away.