You pretend not to notice me as I slip from the living room to the bedroom, but I know you watch when I'm not looking. I slip into the bedroom walk in closet and drop my clothes onto the floor as I grab my robe, ready to take a shower before bedtime and rid myself of the day's grime and dirt. My robe feels soft and warm against my skin and I smell the fabric softener I used when I washed it last still clinging to the fibers as I brush the shoulder past my nose and inhale deeply.
I walk past you as you continue the illusion of being caught up in whatever television show is playing at the moment, your remote control nearby but I know what you're really thinking and it's okay, really it is. We all have our secrets and you're no different, two people never really share every tiny detail of their thoughts.
I've known for a long time that when I go to shower you watch me, that's why I leave the bathroom door open when I used to close it but whether or not you know it's nothing we discuss. I slide open the shower door and begin the water, holding my hand underneath the flow to check the temperature. When satisfied I turn and slip my robe off hanging it on the hook next to the towel, all ready for me when I step back out of the shower.