'Cleansing' by Birgit K. Gaiser

Jakov led the group towards the riverbank where Danijela was waiting. Dozens of candle lanterns cast a soft glow on the scene as she opened her arms, her wide sleeves fanning out like wings.

Any oohs and aahs were quietly and quickly shushed: the cleansing ritual had to take place in complete silence.

Barefoot, Danijela led them to the riverbank, climbing down and filling a bucket with water. They were scamming the poor bastards, but even so, the experience did feel cleansing. She let her toes explore the soft riverbed, digging in, scrunching around pebbles and slippery plants. A duck, rudely awakened by the presence of this many humans, quacked in protest, but eventually tucked his head under his wing and resumed his beauty sleep.

Danijela walked back out to Jakov’s side. The midges were out in force tonight. One of them buzzed right past her ear, then sat on her cheek. She wished she could just swat the little bloodsucker, but she had to maintain the illusion of serenity.

Jakov and Danijela each dipped a sponge into the water and washed the face of a young, pock-marked man, applying gentle pressure while maintaining their silence. A beatific smile appeared on his face, as if he was the personification of the placebo effect.

They worked their way round the circle, finishing with their own faces. They might as well jump into the river, Danijela thought, with how badly-stained their souls must be by now.

The ritual completed, they returned to their small rental unit to check their freshly-inflated bank accounts and sleep. In that order, of course.