The sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

It was the heart of summer, the air thick with the promise of long, lazy evenings. You were sprawled across your bed, lost in the pages of a book, when the familiar sounds of laughter drifted in from the porch.

It was John B, your older brother, along with Pope and Kie. They were greeting JJ, who had just returned from his shift at the country club. You could hear their voices, teasing and joking as they asked him about his day.

A smile tugged at your lips. JJ. You knew he'd be exhausted; the country club was always a whirlwind of activity.

You carefully made your way to the porch, and there he was, sprawled across the couch on his stomach, completely worn out. He was your boyfriend, and the sight of him like that tugged at your heartstrings. "Baby..." you whined softly, plopping down onto his back.

He groaned playfully, but you knew he didn't mind. You'd been battling period cramps all day, the kind that made you want to curl up in a ball and disappear. JJ knew how you got during those days, the extra dose of clinginess and whininess that came with the pain.

But he always took it in stride, his presence a comforting balm.