You were not being dramatic at all.

To answer her calls, you tried to open your mouth but only a silent whimper left. One second, your body was on fire, and the other, a familiar cool hand caressed your forehead— granting you the cold feeling you had desired for hours.

“Hey, sweets,” Steph… She came. “I left home as soon as you called me.”

“I called you?” You sounded so weak. With all the strength you found in yourself, you opened your eyes.

You didn’t even remember that you had called her…

Stephanie nodded, “Hmhm,” Her thumb traced small circles on your cheek. “Tell me what’s wrong?”

Before you could speak about your suffering, hot tears overflowed, running down your cheeks. “I’m on my period.”

She wiped your tears. “First day?”

You could only nod. A small, understanding smile spread on her face. “Don’t worry, pretty, you’re in good hands.” Stephanie pulled your blankets over you and tightened them around you so they wouldn’t move. “Have you eaten?” When you shook your head, Stephanie gave you a concerning glare. “I’ll cook soup. You rest, okay? I’ll be right back. Then I’ll give you some painkillers. And then you’ll rest more.”

As her lips touched your temples to leave a kiss there, you closed your eyes. Maybe all you needed was your girlfriend beside you, taking care of you… The cramps were still there, hurting like hell, but Stephanie’s presence made it feel like they could be beaten. She had this magic that would make you feel safe and sound no matter what.

The soothing smell of the soup reached your nose and altered your mood as soon as it did. You could hear Stephanie’s mumblings in the kitchen. While listening to her singing, you must have fallen asleep for a while, because when you opened your eyes again, she was right before you.

“Come on, you big sleepy baby,” she said as she helped you sit. “You’re lucky you’re my baby.” She teased and you couldn’t help but smile.

“I really am.”

You reached for the spoon and the cup, but Stephanie pushed your hands away. “I’m feeding you. You rest.”

She was a very dear friend to you. 

Unfortunately, your kingdom was so far away from hers. You were not able to see her as often as you would wish. At least you and Princess Talia sent each other letters every month, talking about anything that was possible. She was, deep down, a very enthusiastic woman. When she spoke about things, she made them seem more critical than they usually were. The princess had the capacity to persuade anyone around her, and she often used it for her own good— which, in your opinion, was admirable, since a woman had to be cunning to outlast in a world where men ruled. 

Talia was a powerful woman who knew how to use her resources, and you had so much respect for her. She was the flower of her kingdom, the heart of her father, and thus she needed to be strong. That was what she had said when you asked her how she managed to be the person she was. That was the moment you knew you would adore her until forever, perhaps even longer than that. 

Her last letter had been about her rose garden. According to what you have read, she was planting roses in her garden, without the help of any palace gardener. She explained that her ultimate goal was to create a place where she could feel like herself, and to do so, she had to build that said place all by herself. You were curious to see how her garden ended up. You were dying to spend time with her there. 

“The only place I can be myself,” her letter read… It made your heart leap in its bed. You were not sure where this excitement was coming from but you were accustomed to it by now, for thinking about the princess always made you feel such things. 

The long and cold walls of the palace welcomed you in a familiar way. You hugged your silk coat; your mind was flooded with the thoughts of her. As servants and guardians were guiding the way, your excitement grew even bigger. You answered every question you were asked sloppily. You remembered the women who were leading your way, they were Talia’s most reliable maids. They must have been waiting for your arrival. 

Your heart fluttered at the thought of Talia giving orders to her maids to wait for you. 

“The princess is in her garden. I shall show you the way, Princess.” 

With every step, you felt the silly butterflies in your stomach flutter and bump into each other. This feeling was nothing new, but every time it happened, you felt like you were born that day. It gave you a peace you had never known before, made you grin until the corners of your lips touched your ears. 

The rose garden was… such an exquisite sight to lay eyes upon. 

You could see her fingerprints everywhere. Every part of the garden reminded you of her. As you passed by the arches and roses that smelled exactly like her, you felt as if you were right next to Talia. You were so distracted by the beauty of her garden that you did not even realize you were left alone. 

Your fingers caressed a rose’s fragile petals. You were still amazed that Talia made this happen all by herself. It wasn’t because you doubted her talent and wits, but it was because this garden was so beautiful that you never thought it could be real. She was, indeed, passionate about what she was interested in. Creating this garden was one of her dreams and goals, and she accomplished it… All by herself. 

You were proud of your dear friend. 

“Beloved,” 

Your heart jumped in its place when you heard her silky voice. She was standing a few steps behind you. The gorgeous pink dress made her beauty shine like the sun. She always looked amazing in pink. Her brown hair flowed down her shoulders and cocooned her. And the glow in her eyes… She was happy. 

You were happy that she was happy. 

“Hello, Talia.” You greeted, slightly bowing your head down. 

“It is so nice to finally see you.” The fragrance of roses became more intense when she stepped forward to pull you into a hug. Your arms wrapped around her, grabbing her waist. It felt so nice to feel her close like that. 

“I have been waiting for your arrival ever since you told me you were to visit me!” Talia expressed herself as she pulled away from you. “I have missed you, my friend.” 

“I, too, have missed you, Talia.” 

Talia grabbed your hand softly. Her touch created a tingle inside your palm. “I will show you the garden.” She led the way as she kept holding your hand. “I have a surprise for you.” 

“A surprise?” 

She only nodded and did not utter any other word that might ruin her surprise. As she showed you every corner of her garden, your mind was somewhere else. You could not stop thinking about what she might have for you. She had given you so many gifts in the past, as you had given her, and she always managed to present something far better than the last. 

“Beloved, I can show you your gift if you are too eager to see it.” She giggled. 

You realized your palm was getting sweaty, but you did not want to part your hands. You wanted to hold her close forever. So, you ignored it. She seemed like she ignored it, too. 

“I would love to see it, Talia.” 

Talia smiled at you. Giving you a small nod, she pulled you towards her mysterious gift. Every step became more miserable for you. You had this weird feeling in your stomach. Every second you spent next to her, holding her hand, deepened the pit within you. 

When you spotted a covered easel, you stopped breathing. What could possibly be under the covers? She was going to give you a piece of art. She dropped your hand to uncover the easel and you felt your stomach hurt. It was painful to leave her but seeing the painting under the covers made everything worth it. 

You couldn’t believe your eyes… The painting was a rose garden— this rose garden, and in the middle of it was a woman standing… It was you. The woman looked so much like you. She was wearing a blue dress, and she was standing among the roses, a naive smile was perched on her lips. 

“Talia,” you touched the canvas to feel it, to be sure if it was real for certain. It was real. “How— This is amazing! I love this so much. I don’t know how I can thank you.” 

“You don’t need to thank me. You inspire me, love. I wanted to make this.” 

“How did you even remember every detail?” The painting felt like looking right into a mirror. It was detailed— too detailed perhaps.