Behind the Charade

It was nighttime when the hot water in the shower created a mist that filled up the room.

Running water fell on Declan's head and formed streams down his face as it flowed down his chest, torso, and legs before finally splashing against the tiles.

Declan's skin was as red as a beet after standing under such a hot shower for an hour. Yet, he repeatedly applied soap as he harshly scrubbed his body a