The Sauna Club – Part 2: Second Round

By the fifth Thursday, Taylor had stopped counting the degrees.

The sauna was nearly empty. The others had left early for a birthday dinner, and the stove burned low and golden. Candlelight flickered on the pine walls. Outside, the snow was coming down in slow, silent flakes, and the sea steamed black beyond the jetty.

"This is my favourite," said Aino. "When it's quiet."

"I'm starting to understand why."

They sat on the top bench, shoulders touching, the heat soaking into their bones. The silence was warm, and unhurried.

"Can I ask you something?" said Taylor.

"Yes."

"Do you ever feel... not alone? Even in the quiet?"

"Yes. Now," said Aino, simply.

Taylor's heart gave a startled leap. "I was going to say the same."

"Then say it."

"I like you. A lot. More than neighbour-like."

"I know," said Aino, with a small smile. "I like you a great deal more than that."

"May I kiss you?" said Taylor.

"Yes," said Aino. "And if you say stop, you must plunge into the sea alone, three times."

"That's the worst punishment."

"Yes. Are you afraid?"

"Not of you."

She kissed her, softly, in the dim glow, one hand rising to Aino's warm shoulder. Aino kissed her back with unhurried tenderness, tasting of pine smoke and sweat and peppermint tea. The stove ticked. Snow fell on the roof. Everything was warm.

When they parted, both of them were smiling.

"Green?" asked Aino.

"Green," said Taylor. "Very green."

They ran down the jetty together, hand in hand, laughing, and leapt into the dark.

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