For My Fellow Survivors

A Little Misunderstanding

Erin groaned as she did her science homework- she hated science, especially today since she hated everything. She picked up a piece of chocolate and sighed, "there goes my New Years' resolution." She popped it in her mouth, "wish I had a sister. She'd understand this." Erin may have been having the worst menstrual cramps ever. She hardly ever got cramps, and was super mad that she was cursed with them this time.
"Nobody could have worse cramps than me right now."
"Not so," Danny stood in her doorway. "Have you thrown up yet?"
"What? No."
"Apparently, that happens. Linda threw up last month cause hers are so bad. Ever noticed how Linda misses at least one day every month, and there's a month's time in between the days? It's not cause she's sick, it's cause her cramps are so bad."
"Wow, Danny. I'm impressed; I wouldn't have expected a guy to pay attention like that!"
"Don't praise him," Joe stood next to his brother. "Linda told him."
"Ohhh. That makes more sense."
"Thanks a lot, Joe!" Danny gave his brother a noogie, then went to his room.
"Do you want anything?" Joe wondered.
"Once again, I'm impressed." Erin smiled.
"Hey, I'm just a caring brother. Plus, Mom kinda told me to."
Erin shook her head, "snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory."
"Huh?"
"It means you gotta learn to shut up."
"Is that a threat?"
"Go away, Joe!"
"Alright, sheesh!" Under his breath, he added, "whatever you say, Cruella."
"Joe! You should be so glad I'm in pain right now! Otherwise, I woulda taken you down!"
Joe quickly made his way to his room, only to find Jamie huddle in his covers. "Please go to your room, squirt."
Tears streaking his cute face, Jamie walked to his room, clutching his stuffed Eeyore. On his way to his room, he bumped into someone. He looked up and saw Linda.
"Jamie, what's wrong?" She squatted down so she could be somewhat face-level.
"Erin yelled at me for no reason," he wiped his eyes.
"Why would she do that?"
"I don't know!"
"Why don't I go talk to Erin, okay? See if I can smooth things out."
Jamie nodded, and Linda gave him a hug. She stood up and walked to Erin's room.
"That time of the month?" She said as if it were one word.
"Yes. Why?"
"Jamie says you yelled at him for no good reason." Linda leaned on the door frame.
"Oh, I didn't mean to yell at him- only Joe and Danny."
She smirked, "Jamie's crying right now, cause he thinks you hate him."
"Is he out there?"
"Yes," Jamie emerged from behind Linda.
"I'm sorry, Jamie. I didn't mean to yell, I'm just- well, it's a girl thing. You'll understand when you're older. Forgive me?" Erin held her arms out for a hug.
Jamie smiled and happily hugged his sister. "I forgive you." He looked at Linda, "Do you have that girl thing?"
Linda laughed out loud, "boy! Do I ever!"
"Do I hear Linda?" Danny called from his room.
"Yeah! I'll be right there!" She walked over to Jamie and ruffled his hair. "Better?"
"Better!" He hugged Linda again. "You're the bestest friend ever!" He happily ran to his room.
Linda smiled, "gosh, I want kids! Feel better, Erin."
"Thanks."