Chapter 4

Mandla and I woke up in our bed the next morning with a different kind of ache. It felt like we were strangers meeting for the first time again, like two lovers rediscovering each other, and we had yesterday's session to thank for that.

We had slept straight through until nearly noon. The blackout curtains helped, but mostly it was because we were completely used up.

Mandla wrapped himself around me under the covers. "Yesterday was amazing, Thandi. Don't you think?"

"More than amazing, Mandla. I couldn't believe how turned on and wet I was for you. Remember how much we used to fuck when we first met? It felt just like that."

"Yeah, everything came rushing back yesterday. That's exactly why we need to keep going, Thandi. I'm starting to think this place might actually heal us."

We decided to take it slow and have brunch first. Not long after, a butler arrived carrying a tray laden with food. He set it down and placed another black envelope at the head of the dresser before quietly leaving. We both knew exactly what it was.

Once we finished our coffee and worked our way through the food, we climbed out of bed. Inside the cupboard, two luxurious white robes hung neatly. I took one and wrapped it around me, tying the belt at my waist, and Mandla dragged himself into the other.

As he adjusted his robe, I moved toward the envelope, sliding my thumb under the seal. I broke it open and pulled the ticket out.

"Room 2: The Threshold Experience. Some touches will come through walls, and you may receive. Others will reach out to you, and you must decide before stepping out. Remember, you will not know who is on the other side."