Micro/Flash Fiction 4

Bath, by Mary L. Hamilton
http://www.rumble.sy2.com/stories/bath.html

Bath is about the character Marisol taking a bath. The elements are described in great detail such as how her movements affect the water. The work takes place in a bathroom tub. The main character is Marisol, however the water in the tub could be seen as a character also. The water is characterized in several ways. Metaphorically the water is described as a lukewarm blanket. The water crashes as tiny waves against the tub walls and invades Marisol's ears. The mood begins as very tranquil and relaxing, then moves to a very chaotic, conflicting feeling. The tranquil, relaxing feeling is generated from the description of the lavender bath salts filling the room and Marisol's body. The mood changes to being more chaotic once Marisol enters the tub and the water begins to rage. The conflict can be described as between the water and Marisol. With every movement of Marisol's body the water reacts, either subtly or crashing into the tub. Mary Hamilton efficiently turns an everyday activity into an epic journey.