When her sobs turned into whimpers, he picked her up and carried her to their bathroom to take a bath together. The bathroom walls were red, with red and orange tile floors made out of ruby and carnelian gemstones. The red garnet fireplace was lit; and the deep, brilliant orange flames softly glowed throughout the room. Pink roses and candles surrounded the orange Jacuzzi. The steamy, hazy orange light filled the room accented by pink bubbles. The room smelled like a floral garden with hints of sandalwood and frankincense.

Nebula wrapped her arms around Dematter’s neck. He gently loosened her arms from his neck and sat her down on the red velvet couch in the bathroom. He bunched her long, black, wavy hair into a ponytail and wrapped a red rose around it to hold it in place. Dematter kissed the trail of tears on Nebula’s cheeks before kissing each eyelid. He kissed the tip of her nose. His tongue traced her full lips, before parting them with his tongue. Nebula’s tongue met Dematter’s with eagerness. They kissed. He removed his tongue from her mouth, sucked her bottom lip and said, “Nebula, look at me. You are the love of my life. I would never do anything to hurt you or our children. Believe in me again. Love me again.” Nebula buried her face on the side of his neck. Dematter could feel her warm tears rolling down his back. Nebula couldn’t talk. She hugged Dematter as tight as she could to let him know that she still loved him—wanted him—and needed him.