I cleared my throat, aware of how ridiculous I must look – a grown man stewing in his own bathwater. ‘Sven,’ I managed, moving slightly to one side. A piece of ginger bumped against my thigh. ‘I'm just... doing a bit of field research.’


Anja's laughter was soft, melodic, unexpected. ‘Field research?’ She stepped fully into the bathroom, rainwater dripping from her jacket onto the tiles. Her gaze wandered through the steamy room – to the flickering candles under the tub, the floating vegetables, my reddened face. ‘I haven't seen this view in a long time.’ Her gaze lingered on the surface of the broth at my waist. ‘What is your goal, Sven? The purpose of your research?’