[ ... ahh. this is why she can't let go of him easily. even without Rudbeckia explaining herself, Gen understands, at least to some extent. that calm acceptance is like a salve, cool and refreshing, where saccharine words of comfort would have only left the wound to fester. kindness, love, compassion – none of those things can be relied upon, and all of them run out sooner or later, leaving behind only resentment. if someone understands her, then she wouldn't ask for anything more.

getting this attached to someone that couldn't give a damn whether she lives or dies—she really is such a pathetic fool. ]

Somewhere in between? It normally lasts for about a week. [ the tension unwinds from Ruby's body, and she relaxes against Gen with a sigh. only her tight grip on the bag remains, whether that's from a fear of dropping it or the same sign of white-knuckled pain that Gen noticed earlier. ] It's not that bad... Mostly the symptoms are just nausea and some pain.

[ some, she says. the physical agony is the worst part, but she can't shake the certainty that she would only be dismissed for trying to explain the severity of it, to anyone. just a stupid little girl whining about something that probably doesn't even hurt that much. besides, she can bear with it alone, so it isn't necessary to discuss. ]

I never used to pass out or bleed – that only started recently, so I wasn't expecting it again. I really thought there wouldn't be any problem.