i sat in the pub, drinking an IPA. she came up behind me, kissed my head and sat down. we said a few words. she started to tear. stress, she said. the home, the lack of money—the lack of her period. you know, regular things. i sipped my beer, she cried some more. i tried to console her. she wanted to leave. i had a half a pint of beer left. i chugged, paid and walked with her to the car.

she loved me and i didn't know what to say.