Preston

The morning began on an alarming note. Preston woke to the sound of his door slamming and there she was, the girl who had stormed into his life. Her eyes were blazing with fury and her lips were pressed into a thin line. He knew that expression. It was a warning.

“Did you forget to buy chocolate again?” Her voice was cold as a knife blade.

Preston sat up on the bed, sleepy and confused, his long blond hair falling around his face. He woke up quickly, knowing that today was not a day for mistakes. "I… I didn't know you'd want him. But I can run now," he muttered, trying not to meet her eyes.

Her gaze pierced him like a dagger. “You’re always like this, Preston. Always in the clouds. Haven’t you even noticed that I’m in a bad mood today?”

She sat down on the couch, crossing her arms over her chest, her anger hanging in the air like a thundercloud. Preston tried to calm her down, as always, but it was harder today. He approached her, cautiously, as if she were a wild animal, and sat down next to her. “I’ll do anything to stop you from being angry,” he whispered, his blue-gray eyes searching hers for any hint of indulgence.

She looked at him, a hint of weariness in her eyes. "You don't even know what I'm going through today. Periods aren't just pain, they're a curse."

Preston nodded, trying not to show how startled he was by her words. “I understand. Well, almost. Can I give you a massage? Or… cook you something nice? Just say the word.”

She softened a little, the corners of her lips twitching into a faint smile. "You're so weird, Preston. But maybe a massage is a good idea."

He smiled, feeling the tension ease a little. His hands slowly touched her shoulders and he began to massage them, trying to be as gentle as possible. She closed her eyes and for a moment her anger faded. Preston knew this was just the beginning, but he was willing to do anything to make her smile again.