Page 14 of Soaring and Steadfast

Friendly.

Oh my gosh, I hate that time of the month…

Her phone vibrated with his reply almost instantly, like he had been waiting.

I wouldn’t know LOL – but apparently, that answers my unspoken questions.

You are a girl.

A breath of laughter escaped her, though it wasn’t enough to shake the heaviness pressing against her ribs.

Ugh. Thanks a lot. Now I can wallow in that realization that I blabbed a secret to you.

I didn’t ask either.

She hesitated. There was something oddly comforting about how he never pried, never pushed.

No, you didn’t.

The reply came quickly.

I’m sorry if you are having a tough time right now. Can you take something?

That simple kindness, the acknowledgment, sent an ache through her that had nothing to do with her cramps. She closed her eyes for a moment before typing.

Yeah. I guess. It’s just a bunch of hormones, period cramps, swollen fingers and feet—just the regular fun stuff that comes with being a girl.

Sounds like it.

She could almost hear the wry amusement in his voice, the way he balanced sarcasm and understanding so seamlessly. It made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t expected.

Don’t men have any fun hormonal traits that are annoying?

A pause.

It’s not the same thing, but if it makes you feel any better – I hate shaving my face daily.

She smirked.

I have to do my legs – and no. That doesn’t help because it’s nowhere in the same category as monthly cramps.

You should have the runs once a month - for a week. I have dubbed it so.

Well then, who am I to argue?

I’ll go eat a few raw eggs for salmonella poisoning or drink pond water for a painful case of dysentery.

She laughed, the sound unexpected, breaking through the fog of discomfort and the lingering loneliness that had become too familiar.

Do you really get dysentery from pond water?

I have no clue, but it sounded good – didn’t it?

I will give you that.

I was definitely getting Oregon Trail vibes.

Her chest warmed, the humor wrapping around something raw inside her. It was so nice to have a friend in him.

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