†SELF_CONSCIOUS†

Aria eyes closed, savoring the feeling of the warm towel caressing her face. The soft fabric gently stroked her skin, soothing and cleaning her tense muscles on her face.

Aria's lashes fluttered shut like butterfly wings. Her breathing slowing down, calming her senses and quieting her mind. The gentle pressure eased her tension, melting away the knots on her forehead.

For a moment, she forgot her injuries, the ache in her leg and the throb in her wrist, she forgot her struggles, the world she was in and her mysterious death. She forgot her fears, the unknown future and the lingering doubts.

All that remained was the warmth, the comfort and the heaven.

Aria's face tilted upward, her chin rising, as the towel continued its gentle caress, moving to her neck then her shoulder.

Next, she tended to her arms, carefully cleaning around the bandages with the damp towel, each stroke was calculated to avoid disturbing the delicate balance of her injuries.