After about ten minutes of soaking, Gloria’s body adapted to the temperature, and the burning sensation from earlier vanished. She felt as if the medicinal herbs in the bath were seeping into her body through her pores. Then, she noticed she was very relaxed.

Gloria’s face was flushed but she felt as if a weight had been lifted off her. Next to her, Lacey was making preparations. She did not speak but would check on Gloria occasionally.

About half an hour later, Lacey asked, “How do you feel? How’s the temperature?”

Gloria answered, “Not as hot as before.”

Lacey beckoned at Adrian and said, “Add more hot water.”

Adrian lifted up a pot of hot water that he poured into the tub. The process repeated in this manner for about two hours. Meanwhile, Lacey prepared a fresh tub, pouring in some newly-brewed medicinal herbs. The concoction in this new tub was different from the first one.

Lacey hastily said, “Come, get into this. It might hurt, but it’s normal and nothing to worry about