Curiosity.

Ariel…

I stepped out of the warm bath, wrapping myself in a thick white towel. Steam filled the bathroom, curling around the edges of the mirror, forming shapes that made me giggle.

The air in the room reeked of my soap fragrance, and the warmth of the water still clung to my skin.

I sighed, running my fingers through my damp hair. The gingerbread contest was only a short while away, and I needed to get dressed quickly.

I had spent so much time in the bathroom, letting the warm water soothe my nerves and drive away the winter cold, that I had forgotten about the contest.

I wish I could cancel or, better still, postpone; it was very cold because it was Christmas Eve.

But on second thought, I had already made a commitment I needed to follow through with. Many people have been practicing and perfec……