I haven't gotten a decent night's sleep in the last two days, and I don't think I'll be able to rest today either.
Following that eventful evening, I waited for River as usual, clutching the continuity report. It wasn't my task to get the signature, but I have offered to help Cat as usual. I merely grin whenever she thanks me for my assistance. She did not know I had my own interests, and it was better that way.
I soon found River at her seat, conversing with Carla. She looked disoriented and weary. I was hesitant to speak with her now that she recognized me, but I proceeded anyway. She was taken aback when she saw me, and I had to repeat myself three times before she accepted the clipboard and signed the document. I was concerned for her, but I noticed Carla staring at her suspiciously. So instead of asking her how she had been, I simply took the paperwork and left.
I kept myself engaged for the next few hours, afraid that I would rush back and talk to her. She appeared exhausted, and she has barely eaten anything since arriving this morning.
Blake from Light and Sound requested that I help him before retiring, and I gladly complied. I needed a diversion. After that, Carla asked if I could get her some supplies, and I agreed to that too. I was already intending to visit the town. I was dying to have some beer.
While I was speaking with Carla, River stopped by the place. Even though I was delighted to see her, my main concern was for her health. I had just met her a few hours before, yet she seemed two years older, and her shoulders were slumped. I wondered if she was still mourning Brave's departure.
She nodded upon noticing me, and I grinned despite my temptation to go over and check on her. I pulled out my phone, scrolling aimlessly through my apps, and gave them privacy as she spoke alone with Carla. I knew it was improper to eavesdrop, but I could not prevent myself. And yet, I heard nothing. They were talking in hushed tones.
Carla then inquired if I could purchase something for River as well, to which I immediately agreed. River scrawled something on the paper, and I realized why she looked so drained. She was going through her menstrual cycle. I'd heard my sister claim that she dies every month during her periods, so I had a fair understanding of how they felt.
The brand she preferred was unavailable, and I had to visit seven different shops before finding it. I also contacted my sister to ask what all she craved during her periods, and after her lengthy interrogation and my minimal responses, she told me to get some snacks. I didn't tell her it was for River but rather for a friend, and while she didn't believe it, she didn't press me.
My past girlfriends never really discussed their menstruation with me since we split up before we reached that level of intimacy. I further got the medical shop guy to advise me on some medication, and I triple-checked with him that it was okay to use.
When I returned, it was nearly nine o'clock at night, and I went straight to Carla's house. I handed her the goodies and hurried over to River, who was in an awful state. She could hardly stand when she opened the door, and dark circles ringed her eyes. I convinced her it was from Carla when I delivered her the food, hoping she wouldn't check with her later. Her stomach growled at the sight of snacks, and she has never looked cuter. She was so adorable....
I was amused when River thanked me while I was leaving. Her tone was soothing, and her expression was gentle. If I had had a camera back then, I would have captured and framed that image. That night, I went to bed with a smile on my face. I made some breakfast for her earlier today and asked Nathaniel tacitly if I could take it to River, and he consented without hesitation.
She looked even worse in the morning than she did last night. I wanted her to visit a doctor, but I had to respect my boundaries. She was on the phone with her sister, and it sounded like they were pretty close.
I was going to visit her this evening, but John assigned me some work. Apparently, his wife is ill, and he needs to take care of her. I knew he was lying, but I still consented. After all, I am a pushover.
I want to sleep...
...