Author's Note: This word reminded me of my study abroad experience. It was in a very dusty place where it was hot enough to wear sandals. The place I stayed had these brick foot-baths at all the door entrances, and I always appreciated getting to wash my feet before going inside.
Pediluvium: n. a foot bath
"My feet feel dirty," one of the escapees muttered so quietly Kinch almost did not hear him.
"Shh, I don't think they understand," his friend whispered back. It was a strange exchange, and Kinch wondered what it meant, but he did not wish to intrude. Still, he would be an ill host if he let a guest suffer when he could make a difference.
The next morning, the two guests, friends from their dusty childhoods, woke to find a small box with water and towels at the room entrance. It was not the same, but they appreciated it even still.