I stare at the wall, recalibrating my understanding of the human body.
“And now,” she adds, mortified, “I am oversharing again. I don’t understand why I keep doing this.”
“I don’t mind,” I say honestly. “Maybe you feel comfortable with me.”
She scoffs. “Slander.”
I press again, gently this time. Not teasing. Just curious.
“Come on,” I say quietly. “You can tell me. What is that guaranteed cure for period pain?”
She goes very still. Then exhales, long and resigned, like someone stepping off a ledge.
“…Sex,” she says.
I blink once.
She rushes on, cheeks flushing. “Not in a dramatic way. I just… I get very horny on my period. It’s a thing. And orgasms actually help with the cramps. Medically. I read itsomewhere. And sometimes I help myself because obviously, but then there’s the mess and this sentence has gone on far too long and I should stop talking now.”
She stops abruptly, like she’s run into a wall.
I look away, not because I’m shocked, but because I’m very aware this is a moment that needs steadiness, not reaction.
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” I say carefully. “Nothing at all.”
She groans and drops her face into her hands. “Why am I like this?”
I shift, decision settling quietly, and stand.
“Bathroom’s back there,” I say, nodding towards the bedroom door.
She looks up, frowning. “Why?”
“Just stay there,” I add, already moving. “I’ll be right back.”
Before she can argue, I disappear towards the bathroom.
The bathroom is functional and nothing more. I pause, realising it will not do.
I come back from the bedroom slower than I left it.
She looks up immediately. “What?”
“Your shower’s too small,” I say.
She frowns. “For what?”
I take a breath. This is either going to land or end everything.
“For pain relief,” I say carefully. “Sex. If you need it.”
Silence.
I hold my hands up slightly, instinctively, like I’m negotiating rather than proposing anything.
“Only if you want,” I add. “This is not me… pouncing. You said it helps with the cramps. If that’s true, and you want help, I can help. Purely practical.”
She stares at me.
