a certain welcoming bitterness
Krelian finds solace in a certain supercomponent of the soul.
He had to be careful with his routine. Despite the nanomachine enhancements, incorrect treatment of his skin would surely lead to disaster.
It wasn't that he liked hiding. To be sure, he'd rather be open in atonement for his sins. But...
He continued, gently cleansing philtrum and ptosis alike, and when some of the soapy liquid slipped into the corner of his mouth, he clicked his tongue, once or twice, then eyed the bar itself.
Was this a cleansing he could accede to, something mundane evoking the extraordinary?
He took a bite. It stuck in his throat. He didn't swallow.