The hot water, the steam, the feeling of finally getting clean was fabulous. The washing of his hair was particularly welcome. Yet throughout it all, Luke became increasingly aware of some kind of separation between the two of them. The small bathtub meant they could never be more than an arm’s length away, but Andy seemed to do all he could never to brush up against him. With the exception of when he was shampooing Luke’s hair, Andy didn’t touch him directly, always using either a sponge, a loofah or a face flannel. Luke didn’t think it could be the differences in their bodies; after all, he’d told Andy the previous night that such things didn’t bother him. Looking over at his naked shower partner, Luke saw solidity, strength and protection. Yes, there were scars; the worst were on Andy’s
