Page 17 of Mountain Grump

There’s just the one, but that’s all I need.

I step into it and think the same thing I did the first time I came in here.

My bathroomis spacious.

It has a long vanity with a single sink and lots of counter space. Plain white cabinets below match the floor-to-ceiling cabinets to the right of the vanity. On the other side of the sink is a toilet. And then the shower.

It’s plain. But it’s bigger than the one I had in my apartment.

The house is bigger than anything I’ve ever had to myself.

My fingers fumble as I attempt to pull down the zipper on the side of my dress.

I pause and stare at myself in the large mirror.

“You’re fine.” My hair is a mess. My eyes are sore. My throat aches. “You are going to be fine.”

With purpose, I reach for my side zipper again and pull it down.

I exhale with accomplishment, then slide the straps down my shoulders and let the mud-stained material fall to the ground.

My bra and underwear go next. And as I drop the white material to the floor, I bite my lip.

When I fell… did that man see…

I shake my head.

It doesn’t matter.

Who cares if the grumpy ranger jerk saw my underwear.

Or my butt.

Or my thighs that aren’t toned.

I turn away from the mirror.

The plain white shower curtain is loud as I draw it back, revealing a clean porcelain tub with a standard shower head jutting out high up on the wall.

Uncle Jack was tall.

I swallow.

He may not have lived here full-time. And I may not have been here before. But I can see him in the details.

This was Uncle Jack’s home.

Was.

Because now it’s mine.

Reaching down, I turn on the water, and I cross my fingers, hoping the hot water situation works.

I’ve only ever lived in apartments. I’ve never had to deal with water heaters before. I don’t know the first thing about them.

I’ve never even owned a car.

Standing next to the tub, waiting for the water to warm, I shake my head. “What were you thinking?”