disclaimer: Karin wanted me to note that she didn't read the others before sending hers in, not wanting to get 'ideas' before writing. But apparently peeled off socks, laundry, and work are common themes among moms!!!
With a groan, she pulled her feet from their boots and peeled off clinging socks. She desperately wanted a bath...it was vital she scrub, removing grime from every fold, crease, crevice of her skin, dirt from her nails, dust clogging every pore. Her hands, raw and bruised, still felt the roughness of the shovel's handle, arms and back protesting in memory as she began the warm flow of water.
The florescent light over the sink hummed irregularly, casting it's bluewhiteness throughout the small room. She sighed and lowered herself into the tub, eyes turning upward along tattered papered walls and ceiling. Glancing at the disordered pile of clothing on the floor, she realized she'd have to shake them out, dislodging stones, clotted dirt and other crunchy bits certainly residing in cuffs and pockets. Clothes would be left in the mudroom; she'd sweep up the trail of debris following her to this place and slide into bed, sleeping blank with exhaustion until morning.