Westley has always known Claire. She's always been a constant in his life, whether it be as his babysitter, his secret Santa, as his pretend-girlfriend, his confident, as the person he could always rely on.
But she's also always been the girl he lov...
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I'm forty seven and I'm pretty sure Claire has started her menopause.
She's been getting hot flashes. Her periods have been irregular and when she does have it, she's in a lot of pain, when she usually never was before.
I haven't mentioned anything, but I know that she knows that I know. I don't want to bring it up because I'm worried it's going to make her sad. I want to let her mention it when she feels comfortable.
Dealing with two hormonal teenagers at the same time that argue and bicker all the time and always come up with colourful ways to antagonize us doesn't make it easier on Claire to deal with all the changes.
One night when she wakes up in a gasp soaking with sweat I get out of our bed, go to our bathroom and come back with a wet cold towel and press it against her neck and forehead.
Claire doesn't say anything but she clutches my arm, leaning her head against my shoulder while crying silently.
And I just know I can't keep on staying quiet. "Even if I can't control anything that's happening to you right now, you know you're not alone right? You know that whatever you need, I'm there?"
"I know."
"You know that you don't always have to be strong?"
"I know."
"And you know that I love you more than anything?"
"I know."
I kiss the top of her head and that night Claire pours out all her worries and shares everything that's been happening to her and bothering her. There's nothing I can do to stop the changes, I know it, and I also know that Claire doesn't need me to magically cure everything. She needs me to listen to her and be there for her.
