“Will there be anything else, ma’am?” The bath attendant set a glass of wine on the bathtub tray table, eyes respectfully averted from the woman whose nakedness under the water was only barely concealed by a layer of fragrant dried eucalyptus leaves and flower petals. She took the glass and inhaled a rich bouquet with satisfaction. “No, thank you. That’ll be all for now.” She glanced at the attendant’s impassive face. He’...

Lying against him, she shook gently from the small but urgent sobs arising from her. He silently stroked her smooth hair, occasionally letting his fingers drop to trace along the back of her neck. Her sobs grew. Patiently, he continued drawing his fingers through her hair, gently pausing to massage her scalp. He drew closer to her and placed his lips behind her ear: “You are never too much.” More sobs. “I see you.” She sh...

“So how does this work, again? I’m still new at this.” He looked at her and smiled at the curiosity and excitement in her tone as she unwound her scarf, her face flushed at the transition from the subzero winter to the warm room. “It’s pretty simple, really. We take a shower and then step into the sauna, and if we feel like it, we throw some water on the stove. Don’t worry, I’ll show you.” The confidence of his words some...