RIVER

The feeling in my stomach made me toss and turn all morning. It had been such a while since I had had a period this bad. Was it something I ate or drank, or maybe because of the change in environment? But the more time passed, the more my lower stomach churned with pain. I wanted to stand up, get some water, and get some Advil to at least feel better.

I wondered why I knew it was coming, yet I made no plans to make sure I felt better. My hot water bottle was still stuck somewhere on the ...