Botanicaust

spilled its contents across the tile. Over the back of the chair lay a set of brilliant green clothing. A door stood open and Levi spied a pedestal sink. He found the cannibal knife and headed to the bathroom.
    For five years he ’ d worn the beard prescribed for married men by the Ordnung, even after Sarah died. The beard was a shield. He hadn ’ t been comfortable as a single man. Now, he gawked at the stubble covering his head and face, not quite a beard, but definitely not the clean-shaven face of a single man. He glanced over his shoulder at the bed. Which was it to be? Single man, courting a Blattvolk? Or should he resume the stoic acceptance of his widower hood?
    Rolling the knife between his fingers, he surveyed his face. Regardless of the rest, the mustache had to go. A pump mounted on the wall dispensed a froth of soap he lathered onto his upper lip and then scraped the knife across the hairs. Not nearly as effective as his razor, but God knew he made the effort. In the interest of appearing more mature in his dealings with the Fosselites, he opted to keep the beard.
    A towel hung from the door of the shower stall and he looked longingly into the cubicle. A slick, stretchy substance had been molded over the wound on his arm, which no longer hurt, but he was unsure if he should get it wet. The burn on his shoulder had the same covering. With a sigh, he sponged himself off and avoided the draw of a hot shower. He donned the clothing — short pants and a sleeveless shirt, just like the Fosselites wore. Had they given him green because of Tula? The fabric was unusually fine and stretchy. The sparseness of the shorts and shirt felt more like underclothes than something to wear in public, but certainly better than a ragged mat of cattails. The slipper-shoes they ’ d left fit well, cradling his travel worn feet.
    His stomach yearned for breakfast. Maybe he could find food and be back before Tula woke. He opened the door and peered into a narrow hall, but saw no one. A click sounded from a small grill to one side of the door and a woman ’ s voice issued forth. “ Levi, welcome. Please to wait for escort. ” The words were stilted, as if read from a book.
    Glancing at the bed, he bit his lip. Someone would be here soon. Would see that he and Tula had slept together. Samuel ’ s voice rang in his head. Fornication . He had to wake her. Get her dressed. He looked around again. No clothing. Why didn ’ t she have any clothing?
    He shut the door and headed to the bed. “ Tula. Tula, wake up. ”
    She stretched, limber green arms rising above her head, blanket dipping and exposing her breasts. She blinked sleepily at him, her lips curling into a cat-like smile. “ Mmm, Levi. ”
    “ Tula, you need to get dressed. ” He plucked the edge of the blanket to cover her. The room smelled of sex.
    Her smile faded and she sat up, arms crossed over the blanket to hold it in place. “ Is something wrong? ”
    Realizing his forehead hurt from worry, he forced it smooth. Just pretend you are married. The Fosselites don ’ t know any better . He ’ d make it right with God in the end. “ Visitors are coming. ”
    A knock sounded at the door. Tula flipped back the covers, exposing her full nakedness. Levi needed to look away, but couldn ’ t. Every inch of him wanted her again. How could the Fosselites not desire her, too? The knock came again. “ Levi, it ’ s Dr. Kaneka. ”
    Tula bent to look under the bed and Levi ’ s hopes rose that she ’ d discarded her clothing there. When she pulled out the same miniscule skirt she ’ d worn the entire journey, he grimaced. Why hadn ’ t they given her proper clothing?
    She tied the bit of fabric about her hips and smiled at him like he was being silly before she opened the door. Dr. Kaneka stood outside, the big man who ’ d kidnapped Tula yesterday once again shadowing him. The doctor ’ s brows lifted nearly to his hairline before a mask descended. He pushed up his glasses. “ Good morning. ”
    Shameful heat flooded Levi as if he ’ d been discovered by an Elder . There was no denying they ’ d been together. Face the consequences . He stiffened his spine. Stepping in front of Tula, he could at the very least hide her from the big guy staring straight at her chest without even a pretense of looking at her face. “ Good morning. ”
    Dr. Kaneka surveyed Tula and spoke unrecognizable words. Levi fought the urge to pull the blanket from the bed and wrap her in