Fire

Lex pressed his palms into the tiles,

let his head drop,

allowed the water to run

down his shoulders and back.

Showerhead massaged tense muscles.

He thought about the woman

asleep down the hall:

vibrant yet reserved. 

Maybe the restraint

was a good thing. 

If he were to live to the fullest

he may spontaneously combust,

but this girl would set the world on fire.

The early hour and hot water

conspired against Lex. 

Blood pressure dropped,

inhibiting oxygen flow to the brain.

World blurred into steamy drifts of clouds.

Nausea washed over him,

undulating in his stomach.