The evening text thread that happened following the first part of this story. Being a text thread, it's offered without the polish of formal writing.
G: Grant
M: Madisyn (Madi)
8:10pm
G: Hey Madi. Grant here. Hope your dinner went well. Glad we met earlier. Hope I'm not interrupting anything.
8:14pm
M: Yay! I hoped you'd text. Heading back to the hotel from dinner soon. I'll text you once I'm back to my room.
G: Cool, I can't wait.
9:42pm
M: What's your Monopoly token of choice?
G: Uh oh. Nobody told me there would be a test. I hope I don't fail and end up in the same category as one of your ex's you told me about with Monopoly complications.
M: He's my only ex. But I feel like you're avoiding the question.
G: Race car or thimble. You?
M: Dog.
G: Nice. I've always wondered about those who want the boot that got retired a few years ago.
M: Agreed.
M: Glad I check into my hotel earlier. The nighttime front desk guy isn't as good looking.
G: Oh, hah. Nick. He's cool. I'm glad you checked in earlier too. So you're a cute smart grad student and just have the 1 ex? Haven't dated much or were you long term?
G: if I'm not being too nosy
M: We were only together 4 months. No other guys. I'm bad at making the first move or asking a guy out. And I'm either hideous in general or guys don't want the chubby disabled girl.
G: definitely not hideous. Nothing wrong with chubby. Your curves are nice π₯and while I don't know the details of your disability nothing I've seen bothers me.
G: Like... you're really attractive Madi
M: *blush* thanks. I don't usually feel that but I'm flattered.
G: I'm being honest. I'm surprised more guys haven't shared the same. Their lose.
G: loss
M: Yeah I don't really get flirted with much. So if Im bad it's my lack of experience.
G: I suspect I'm awkward at it too. Even with some experience. But not a ton.
M: You're keeping my interest π
M: Have you been single for a while or...
G: honestly about two years at this point. Things with my girlfriend ended when I graduated. She decided I was apparently just a college guy.
M: Seems kind of immature? But that might be too judgy.
G: Since her I've had a few dates but nothing really. Eh, I dunno. It's probably for the best at this point from what I can tell she's off in a different direction now.
M: Better for me though.
G: So have you put yourself out there trying to find guys like on apps or not really?
M: Some. Started Tinder again this week. Not exactly a huge line of guys ready for me it seems.
G: Oh right I think you mentioned Tinder earlier. So that cute face and nice chest of yours don't get a lot of interest? I know I'd swipe right without hesitation.
M: I don't think it's the face and tits that are the issue. I think it's when they see the photo showing me standing with crutches and my leg braces. It's man repellant.
G: Hah. Have you tried not showing that in your photos?
G: Although as I type that I realize that maybe it's better to put it out there than have a guy freak out later.
M: I get 4x the responses if I don't show that I'm disabled. I also waste time with lots of guys who turn out to be super shallow. So I figure it's better to be open, honest, answer questions, and if my condition causes them to go weird, so be it.
G: That makes sense, even if it's not right.
M: It is what it is. Way more guys freak out about my disability than those who are chill like you. So thanks.
G: Lots of guys suck. Lol
M: Heh... yeah.
G: So I'm not gonna be weird about it but since you're open can I ask what is your disability?
M: Yeah. I was born with something called spina bifida. Any chance you've heard of it?
G: Yeah, but I'm not super familiar.
M: Are you already off Googling it or you just want me to give you the short version?
G: I want to know what you think I should know.
G: Unless you don't want to have to explain it.
M: it's a birth defect where someone is born with a hole in their back that causes spinal cord damage. As a result I'm partially paralyzed.
M: I don't mind explaining it or answering questions. Way better than someone assuming. Usually wrong.
G: Makes sense. Does your condition change? Like get better or worse as you get older?
M: Technically no. Nothing changes with the spinal cord issue. There can be effects like some people who use crutches or a wheelchair long term can run into shoulder or arm problems from the repetitive use but that's not really the spina bifida itself.
G: Seems like you get around fine as you are.
M: Lots of practice π
G: I bet. So how was your dinner tonight? Feeling good about tomorrow?
M: It was fun. We went to a Thai place; the food was good. Feeling tired though, it was a long day after the drive up and then evening stuff.
G: I suppose. How long did it take you to get up here?
M: About 4 and a half hours but I made a stop for lunch.
G: Driving can be tiring. Do you need to go to sleep?
M: At some point. Actually I'm going to shower then... can I text you after that?
G: yes please. I'll be here.
M: good. Talk to you in a bit. I don't shower fast. I'll be back I promise though. π
50 minutes later:
M: hey
G: Hey you. Welcome back.