Chapter 2 - "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed." --Carl Jung

A Chapter by Brooke

Chapter 2 of A Love Story

Click went the lock. All of my things were safely inside my trunk and ready to leave for the train station. All I carried with me was a small satchel that my mother had given me for Christmas last year. Inside was my copy of Pride and Prejudice, which I had brought to read on the train. I was wearing normal traveling clothes. A beige skirt flowed from my waist, which was, thankfully, uncorseted. The fitted jacked I wore was the same color and fabric as my skirt and was trimmed in a deep brown. My necklace was safely hanging under the jacket, on top of my chemise. The hat perched on my head was the same color as the trim of my jacket and had a net of brown that went of my eyes. I went down the stairs and out the door to sit in the open carriage, which would be taking me to the train station. Soon, Byron came down, carrying my trunk, and loaded in into the back of the carriage. The selected a light blanket from under my seat and covered myself with it. It was not cold, but once we got moving the air would make me cold, I knew. My mother and sister climbed the stairs of the carriage. Thanking Jasper for his help, mother sat down across from me, while Martha sat next to be. I smiled to my mother, thankfully that she, and only she, was seeing my sister and I off today. I had said my goodbyes to Stephen and father the night before, as not have to wake them early on a Saturday. Off to the train station we were, of course, by afternoon tomorrow, we would what I lovingly referred to my school as home. ZaFrina Academy for Girls (or ZAG for short) was more or less my home. I had been going there since I was seven; this would be my tenth year. I'd been with ZAG longer than my actual family. Not to say, that I don't love my family, I do.

It was a quite bumpy ride towards the heart of Pyven, the city in which we all live. Of course, the Daymen house, my father's house...my house, was in the country, far away from the bustle of the city. If one does not count the train station, I have been into the city all but three times in my life. The whole ride, my mother and sister made light conversation that I barely heard; all I did was stare out the window as trees and building flashed before my eyes. Not sense I had woken up on the day after Petra and I had been to the market had I thought of Nathaniel, but now I could not get him out my head. I had not seen him since that day either. I had no idea where he was taught. He had not attended Bates last year. Bates-Cole Preparatory School was the brother school to ZAG. It was an all boy’s school, at far from ZAG, just through the woods. The two schools shared a chapel, and sometimes had masses together. Also, throughout the year, the Bates boys or the ZAG girls would go to other school and a dance would be held. Year Tens and up could attend the dances, though the last dance of the year, in which the year Twelves would have left school, the years Nines were allowed to attend. Last year had been my first year attending the dance all the older girls talked and giggled about. My dance card had come out a bit short, but that was perfectly fine with me. I had enjoyed myself eating ladyfingers and the like. So, because I had not seen Nathaniel at that last dance, and I had had much time to observe everyone there, I knew Nathaniel did not attend Bates. Of course, he may have been unable to attend the dance, but I highly doubted it.

Through all my musing, I had become unaware of the time passing and, before I had time to orient myself, we had reached Benjamin Station. Quickly, Jasper hopped down from the driver's seat and unlatched the door, pulling it open. The air of the city, with all it's dust and soot, rushed into the cabin making me cough. Martha was the first to step down from the carriage. Before my mother or I could make an effort to descend, Martha had rushed off to one friend or another. My mother gave me a look that said, that’s Martha for you. I nodded in agreement. Mother turned, taking Jasper's offering hand, and stepped lightly out of the carriage. I stood, though slightly hunched over, and walked over to the door. I put my hand in Jasper and, as gracefully as I could manage, I descended the steps of my carriage. The air was in more concentrated and knocked me back against the carriage. Jasper helped me right myself, a slight smile on his full face.

"What a lovely day," my mother declared. If the air would just thin for a moment, it would be a fine day. Behind me, Jasper closed the door with a click and unloaded the two trunks that were my sister’s and mine. I spotted a spare cart across the way and made a grab for it. With it securely beneath my fingers, I walked it over to Jasper. Gratefully, he took the cart, with a nod as thanks as he lifted the overfull trunks onto it. Happy he doesn't have to luge around two heavy trunks full of women's clothing and such, Jasper strolls to my side, a wide smile overwhelming him face. I give him a sideways smile and push on, through the heavy crowd. Finally, I found a door. I gave the man standing there my ticket and he let me through. I turned, just before I stepped onto the train and same my mother a kiss on the cheek.

"Give my best to father and Stephen," I whispered in her ear, over the drone of the crowd behind us. She looked at me with her muted, gray eyes and smiles. I kiss her again and turned into the train. The first cabin I peer into is empty, so I enter it and sit on the green velvet of the seat. I take my bag off and place it on the seat next me. Rummaging in the bag, I pull out the book inside. I settle into the seat, in for a long ride before the dinner train will come around. I am almost absorbed into my book when I hear a knock on the window to the door. Slowly, I look up, remembering exactly where I am. I am met with a shocked but smiling face and I feel the corners of my mouth pulling up into their own smile.

****

Nathaniel enters the open carriage with a sigh. Having no need to say goodbye to anyone, he had slipped out of the house almost unnoticed. His mother, who was still sleeping, would not miss or care that her son was, for the first time in his seventeen years, going away to school. Before Nathaniel's father had died, he had taught Nathaniel from home, therefore eliminating the need to schooling elsewhere. Mr. Lane had died just after the fall term of the past year and Nathaniel had been far too depressed to see to getting himself a position at a school for the winter and spring terms. But now, Nathaniel knew he must go to school, as his father would want. However, of course, if he were here to express his opinion there would be no need to Nathaniel to go away to school, because his father would teach him. But that was beside the point. Nathaniel had carefully selected the school in which he was to attend. However, in the end, he had only chosen Bates because of his friend, Well. The trip to the heart of Pyven was an easy one – a little rough in places, but not anything new.

Soon, the carriage lurched to a stop in front of Benjamin Station and the coachman was pulling the door open. Lightly, Nathaniel stepped down from the carriage. The coachman stood nearby, holding his trunk. Nathaniel took it from him and thanked him. He silently returned to his post, and made his departure. When Nathaniel had watched the carriage go as far as he could see, he turned towards the Bates-ZAG train, awaiting students to board. Telling himself that he would have been more miserable at home, he slowly trudged through the crowd of people milling about the station and nearby trains. With a sigh, he entered the hallway of the train and headed towards the first cabin. It was completely full of giggling, young girls. Moving on, Nathaniel came upon an almost full cabin housing four very young, scared looking boys. Exasperated, Nathaniel walked on. Each cabin was occupied in some way -- none of them by Well. Where was Nathaniel to sit? Eyes dropping, Nathaniel slowly climbed into yet another car, his seventh. The first cabin was occupied, like the rest. But unlike the rest, the face was familiar. Not Well, but Evelyn. Without thinking, Nathaniel raised his hand and softly rapped on the window. A still unfamiliar smile crept onto Nathaniel features, though he could tell now. It took Evelyn a few seconds to lift her head to look at Nathaniel. Obviously, she had not been expecting to see him, for when she did her expression changed from one of slight aggravation to one of surprise and, perhaps, a hint of pleasure. A courteous smile lightened Evelyn's face; her eyes crinkled in warmth. Sluggishly, Nathaniel pulled the door open and stepped in. It was quite a bit warmer inside and, suddenly, Nathaniel felt very foolish, but proceeded as any gentleman would.

"Miss Daymen, how nice to see you again. It's been too long," Nathaniel said, easily

"Mr. Lane, pleased to see you again. I didn't know that you attended Bates." Evelyn looked genuinely surprised about this fact.

"This is my first semester ever, have you gone to ZAG long?" Before he could think about it, Nathaniel was sitting down next to Evelyn, trunk forgotten behind him.

“Oh, yes. I have been going since I was seven -- the starting age. Where did you go before Bates?" The question was simple, but the memories it brought back we're painful to face. A look of utter torture crossed Nathaniel's face, before he could replace his smile, if somewhat forced, Evelyn caught a glimpse of the visage. A small gasps escaped her lips. A faint, pink blush crept upon her features. Before the blush had fully reached her cheeks she whispered, "I'm sorry if that was a rude question to ask."

More to himself than to her, Nathaniel mused, "Couldn't have known. How could she?"

"Know what?" She spoke louder now, more confident, now that she thought she might get some answers. An uncharacteristic blush crept onto Nathaniel's hard features.

"Well, actually, I was, well." Nathaniel flushed a deeper shade of crimson. "Until very recently, I was home schooled by my father." Nathaniel could leave it at that; he didn't have to tell her about why he was no longer being taught by her father. Nathaniel's face started to turn back to a normal color. When he was sure his face was at least slightly less red, he turned to Evelyn, looking her in the eye.

What he saw there was pity a small "Oh," escaped her lips, before she clamped them shut. Nathaniel felt all the color drain from his face. She knew, she knew and she pitied him. "I guess you know then -- about my father," Nathaniel asked.

Looking down, Evelyn answered, "Yes. I'm sorry for your loss." Nathaniel stood and turned away -- looking out at the, now, fast-moving countryside of Pyven.

"Are you really," Nathaniel exclaimed, more than to himself than her, "or are you just saying that, because it's what you've been taught? Because someone told you that's what you should say when someone dies. Or...or are you really, really truly sorry that I've lost someone so special to me. Are you really sorry for me or for the person that died? Who? And why would you care? You didn't know either of us, nor will you ever get to know one."

Evelyn's eyes were as big as saucers -- bigger possibly. All that could escape her lips was, "I would like to get to know you." Without knowing, Evelyn had said exactly the right thing; immediately Nathaniel's featured, softened into a something close to tenderness.

"Oh, oh, Evelyn," Nathaniel blurted, "I'm sorry, Miss Daymen. I'm so, so sorry -- for everything. It's just...it's just all that has been building up for a year, with no one to talk to, there has been no way to get that off my chest. Thank you, thank you for sitting through that...enduring something that no person, but especially a woman I barely know, should have to endure. Thank you."

Evelyn was at a loss for words, so, again, she said, "I would like to get to know--" Before Evelyn could finish the door to the cabin slip open. Standing in the doorway, stood a woman Nathaniel didn’t recognize, but guessed was a teacher at ZAG or Bates, with an astonished look on her face.

Through clenched teeth, she said, "Miss Daymen, a word if you may." A vein was sticking out along her hairline and she was beginning to turn an odd shade of red and purple.

"But of course, Mrs. Daniels," Evelyn said with a slight smile and sly look at Nathaniel that made his cheeks warm. Evelyn stood and Mrs. Daniels grabbed her wrist and dragged her out into the corridor -- almost breaking the glass of the door as she closed it. Nathaniel could see Mrs. Daniels an inch from Evelyn's face, but he couldn't hear anything. When the older woman shot Nathaniel a fleeting, but dangerous glance, he quickly turned his head -- staring at an indent in the velvet of the seat across from him exactly where Evelyn's head had been merely seconds before. Not long after, the door was thrown open once again and Mrs. Daniels stalked in, followed closely by a very upset looking Evelyn. What had he done? Had he gotten her in trouble? He hoped not, for if he did it was probable Evelyn would not want to get to know Nathaniel after all.

Still looking at Evelyn, Nathaniel didn't notice the other woman's grip until it was securely around his wrist and was using it to yank Nathaniel's arm out of its socket. With a powerful lurch, he was out of his seat and was pulled into the hallway. Instead of stopping outside the door, as Evelyn had, Mrs. Daniel's pulled Nathaniel down the hall. Before Nathaniel was out the door, he shot a fleeting glance at Evelyn, unconsciously extending his arm to her.

****

Mrs. Daniels had changed so much in the recent summer. The once easily smiling teacher, was now angry as could be. I didn't know what to make of it, though I didn't have much time to. Out in the hall, the teacher walked right up to me, so we were almost nose-to-nose.

"What do you think you are doing, Miss Daymen," Mrs. Daniels screeched. "Why are you with this boy unchaperoned? Have you even been introduced?" He flicked a look at Nathaniel that I think he saw, and looked away. "I hope you can explain yourself, girl."

"Mrs. Daniels," I started calming. That was the best plan -- to remain calm. "I can, indeed explain myself. I was merely sitting in this cabin here." Motioning with my hands toward the room, I sneaked a look at Nathaniel -- he was starring intently at the seat. "Mr. Lane was merely explaining to me his situation. We met earlier this season." Without a second look at me, my teacher, my favorite teacher, slammed the door open. I cringed at the loud sound it made. Wordlessly, Mrs. Daniels grabbed an unaware Nathaniel from his seat and stalked out of the room. One of Nathaniel's big hands trailed behind him, seeming to reach for me. His trunk lay forgotten on the floor. With a sigh, I settled back into the seat, awaiting someone’s return. Whether that person be Nathaniel or Mrs. Daniels I wasn't quite sure. I stared intently at the door. The pale wood that surrounded the glass was riddled with knots. Each one distantly different, one knot in particular caught my attention. I haven't a clue why. The gnarl was twisted in such a way that it looked like an explosion of something. An explosion of what? An explosion of life? An explosion of a building? An explosion of love? How was I to know? How was anyone to know? This knot wasn't man-made...no person decided what would go on.

I was thinking very hard about the knot on the doorframe when Mrs. Daniels reentered. She was not alone, but, much to my dismay, it was not Nathaniel that accompanied her. It was a girl I had never in my life seen before. She had black hair that streamed down her head in long ringlets -- some of them almost reached her hips. Unconsciously, I touched the bun at the base of my head. Could I be doing more for my appearance? But no, custom had it that girls who had not yet debuted must not draw unnecessary attention to their appearance unless at a formal event. The girl's pale skin off set her hair drastically and her brown-speckled eyes drew me in.

Mrs. Daniels slid the door open carefully and stepped lightly in; the girl followed.

"Miss Daymen," my teacher said, sweetly -- such a change from the last time I had heard her speak. "This is our new student Charlotte O'Brien. She is joining us after moving here from America. Please make her feel welcome." The girl sat down on the seat opposite me, almost exactly where Nathaniel had just sat. I smiled a polite smile at the girl, who just stared at me. Mrs. Daniels quietly slipped out and pulled the door closed behind her.

I looked Charlotte straight in the eye and said, "Welcome to Pyven. My name is Evelyn Daymen. Pleased to meet you."

Finally the girl smiled and said, "Nice to meet you too Evelyn. It's nice to finally have a friendly face in this crowded city."

Oh, she was lacking friendship. I would do my best to befriend her. "How long have you been in the city?"

"Oh, only a week or so. It's beautiful. My parents purchased a house right in the heart of the city. I've seen so many amazing things already even in my short time of being here. Have you lived here all your life?" When I nodded, she continued. I could see she was happy to finally have someone to talk to. "ZAG just sounds so wonderful. I lived in a small town in Rhode Island in America. I had a private tutor so this will be an adventure!" Her eyes lit up at the end.

"Are you an only child," I asked. She nodded and smiled.

"Oh," Charlotte exclaimed, "I know we’re going to be the best of friends." And the conversation just floated from there. We talked about our best friends at home -- Petra, for me, and a shy girl named Elizabeth, for Charlotte. I had my friends at ZAG, but we were never really very close.

The city slowly disappeared as we sped towards the north coast. Soon, I could smell the sea spray from the open window and felt a breeze on my face. The lights slowly dimmed, until they were no more and all you could see was a jagged coastline. The light from the sunset left us in almost pitch-blackness, expect for the small oil lamp near the door. Finally, the train came to halt at the school station. Brighter lights flickered on in the hall outside. Eager to get into real light, Charlotte and I grabbed our things and piled out into the hall. The hall was crowded tremendously, but the two of us made it out the train door mostly unscathed. I saw Charlotte inhale and then cough.

"The sea air is kind of hard to get used to at first. You'll become accustomed to it soon enough," I told my new friend. She gave me a brief smile, but I could tell she was holding her breath. For some reason, I found this unbearably funny and had to laugh aloud.

Charlotte stared at me and said, "Oh, you are too silly!" We both threw our heads back and laughed a minute before walking up the walk to the school grounds. Inside the ZAG gates, Charlotte stared around the set up of ZAG, all the little cottages here and there and the one big building. I in the lead, Charlotte and I walked up to the biggest building, the Aula.

When I mentioned the name, Charlotte stared at me in confusion, so I explained, "Aula is Latin for hall. That's just what we call the main building." Charlotte just nodded. Inside, Aula was decorated with banners of red and purple, the school colors. Four long tables were set up in the room and Charlotte and I sat down at the farthest table. All around us, other girls around our age were sitting down. Although we didn't technically have assigned tables for meals, the places were one sat was well set out. The youngest girls sat at the vertical table because it was the biggest and there were the most of them. Then the girls from the Sixes, Sevens, and Eights sat the table closest to the staff table. Finally, the Nines and up got to sit at the farthest table. I had sat at all of them. I smiled at a few girls, but didn't say hello. Before long, every space was taken and Headmistress Hoffman was standing to give her annual beginning of year speech.

"Good evening, girls." When we answered her back she continued, "We begin a new year. For some it is all new and for others this is old news." She looks hard in my general direction, though, of course, she is only looking at the table in general. "All of you girls that sit here before me are going to succeed in life, I can promise you that. Remember our motto, girls." Everyone, expect some of the ones, joins in as Headmistress says, "Everything in life is yours if you make it so." I let out a small sigh as Headmistress went on and on about how we must all live up to our full potential. I looked up at a break in the speech, expecting some new topic. I was right. Headmistress took in a quick breath and said, "For those you in the grades ten to twelve, the first dance of the year between ZAG and our brother school Bates-Cole Preparatory School, will be held in the East Ballroom on September seventh, this coming Saturday. Both Charlotte and I inhaled sharply.

I felt Charlotte lean towards me and whispered, "We get to go to the dance, correct." All I could do was nod a quick, halting nod. My stomach was tying in knot after knot; I would see Nathaniel again. When had I, before I met Nathaniel, had this odd twisting in my stomach when even thinking of a person of the opposite sex? Not that I knew that many eligible men, but still. In my head, I quickly ran through my head my entire wardrobe. Hmmmm...Yes, that would work. My yellow dress would work perfectly. I daydreamed through the rest of Headmistress's speech. When she was done, we all said grace and loaded our plates with food. I barely tasted the food. I was only thinking about Nathaniel and if I would see him or not. I couldn't wait to see him again. Why was that? I had never felt like this for anyone in my whole life. Was this love? No, it couldn't be...I don't know even know him!

As I was having a panic attack, Charlotte turned to me and whispered, "Are you alright, Evelyn? You look kind of...I don't know...washed out."

“Oh, I’m perfectly alright,” I said. Trying to think up an easy but believable excuse, I blurt out, “I’ve just eaten a bit too much, that’s all.” Charlotte glances down at my almost full plate, but doesn’t say a word. I heave a sigh at my inability to lie, but look back at the headmistress, who was again talking.

“...and tomorrow you will all join me in here at three p.m. sharp just after classes. Your teacher will escort you. I hope you all enjoy your meal and well wishes for this year!” At our well wishing, we all stood from the table and made our way out into the brisk September air. I turned to the right, ready to hurry to my cottage, when I remembered Charlotte. I didn’t know where she would be staying. With me? I didn’t have a roommate that I knew of but I wasn’t sure. I turned to her and asked. She said she didn’t know.

“Shall we go ask...,” I said, glancing around to check for a teacher. Spotting Headmistress Hoffman giving the Ones their room assignments, I finished “Headmistress Hoffman.” Charlotte nodded and we both walked over to wear a small line was filled with Ones. I felt so awkward standing there; Charlotte and I towered over all the girls there. Patiently, we waited until we were at the front of the line to talk to Headmistress Hoffman. I knew quite a few girls who would have skipped to the front of the line and gone in front of the Ones.

When we reached the headmistress, I said, “Headmistress Hoffman, how nice to see you! Have you met Miss O’Brien?”

“Why yes, Miss Daymen. Nice to see you as well. I trust your summer was pleasant.”

“Yes, mum, quite lovely actually.”

Looking behind me at the slight line, Headmistress Hoffman said, “to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“We, Miss O’Brien and I that is, were wondering where Miss O’Brien would be staying.”

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble, could she room with you Miss Daymen?”

“But of course. Thank you, Headmistress. We’ll just be on our way now.” I gave the headmistress a winning smile and turned to go. Charlotte and I passed the Ones, who starred up at us as if we would lash out at them at any moment; both of us smiled sweetly down at them.

Once we were out of earshot, I said to Charlotte, “So you’ll be staying with me. I regret to say that we have a somewhat far cottage, but the walk is easy. Our cottage is St. Claire’s.” Charlotte nodded and linked arms with me. We walked, all but our feet on the ground silent, towards St. Claire’s Cottage. It took five minutes to walk about there and the air had worked its way into my skin, making me shiver. I was glad for the warmth of the cottage. Inside, Charlotte and I hung our coats on the hook near the door.

I turned to Charlotte and said, “Charlotte, as is custom here in St. Claire’s, we will be having a cottage meeting in the sitting room with our cottage mates. It’s just through this door.” Charlotte nodded and we both opened the door and went into the sitting room, which was also referred to as the common room or cottage room. Six girls sat on various couches and settees. The McGwen Sisters sat on the purple velvet couch farthest from the fire. Jane Abbott sat next to Andria Rogers on a matching purple couch near the fire. Lacey Wilson sat on a purple settee just to the side of the door and Gladys Harper sat on the floor, leaning against Lacey’s chair. I took the floor, my back leaning against Jane and Andria’s chair, while Charlotte took the last chair, on the other side of the fire.

Addressing the room, I said, “This is Charlotte O’Brien. She is joining us this year as a Ten. She was born and raised in Rhode Island, USA.” A look of slight embarrassment strikes Charlotte’s features before disappearing. Looks of admiration come from most of the other girls; for most of us, the farthest we have been away from home is here, at school.

Standing up, Lacey said, “Well, hello Charlotte. Welcome to ZAG. My name is Lacey Wilson. I’m a Ten as well. Everyone in this house is a Ten as is everyone in St. Lucy’s. I’m the Cottage Head so if you need anything at all, just let me know.” Charlotte smiled at Lacey and she returned it with her customary smirks and continued, “Girls, why don’t you all introduce yourself to our newest Cottage Mate?”

Several heads nodded in agreement, but no one spoke up at first. Finally, Ellen said, “I’m Ellen McGwen.”

“And I’m Alice McGwen. We’re twins.”

“Nice to meet you Charlotte; I’m Jane Abbott.”

“Rogers. Andria Rogers.”

“Hi! I’m Gladys Harper! It’s so nice to meet you! How do you like life in Pyven?” I repressed the urge to roll my eyes. Gladys was what some would call hyperactive. Always so happy about everything and somewhat annoying at times, but she was the best person to go to when you were feeling down. For her part, Charlotte nodded and smiled at them all, but didn’t say a word.

Finally, Lacey said, “Well, shall we finish this up. I don’t know about you girls but I’m positively exhausted.” Her smirk and fake laugh followed. We all shared significant looks, knowing full well that the moment Lacey was alone in her room she would be sneaking out the window to visit her newest toy boy...whoever that may be. Only Charlotte looked confused and slightly apprehensive. “I do hope you all had a enjoyable summer break.” Nods. “Well, then. I trust you all know the Rules of the Cottage?” Everyone but Charlotte nodded. Lacey stared at Charlotte, somehow expecting her to exactly how everything worked around ZAG.

“I’ll tell her everything she needs to know,” I assured Lacey.

“Great! Perfect. Now, let’s all say our evening prays and be off.” We all bowed our heads and intertwined our fingers. “Dear Lord, please bless us as we sleep tonight. Let us have good dreams and happy days ahead.”

We all intoned, “amen.” Without another word, we all stood. On the opposite side of the front door was a hallway that contained seven, very plain doors: six on the side and one at the very end. First the McGwen Sisters walked off, arm-in-arm, to the first room. Then Andria and Jane into the one opposite the Sisters.

Gladys went next, but not become adding, “goodnight everyone!” Finally, Lacey went to hers, which was directly next to the one at the end of the hall. I turned to Charlotte, took her arm, and lead her to one in the middle of the ride hand wall. I turned the knob and revealed the room that was mine, and had been mine for the nine years. Now, I would share it, but that wasn’t such a big deal. I don’t think I could have had a better roommate, expect, perhaps, Petra.

The room was rather plain. Just two oak beds in each far corner, separated but a window. Two matching desks sat, one against the wall of one of the bed, the other on the same wall as the door; these also double as a vanity for us. A room divider sat on the other side of the door, allowing us some privacy. Under the window, a oak dresser sat. The dresser was split into two sections, each sections having six drawers.

“It’s not much, but I call it home,” I said to Charlotte. Our trunks had already been brought in and were sitting at the foot of our bed, so Charlotte walked, wordlessly, to her bed.

Fingering the red and purple quilt covering the bed, Charlotte said, “it’s beautiful.” I smiled and walked to my own bed and popped open my trunk. Sitting on the top, just where I’d put it, was my bag of toiletries. Going around the bed, I brush my teeth with the rose water on my side of the dresser.

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