It's a boring tale

DEIRDRE POV

"Do you know hiking boosts the immune system and reduces stress, amongst other characteristics that it has?" Leslie said.

I groaned, pushing myself up the hills. I wasn't feeling any of the boost; rather, my legs ached, and likewise, my hands, even though I was barely using them.

Perhaps it was because I had swung them around; that was why they ached.

"Spending time outdoors allows you access to fresh air and vitamin D, and it increases your white blood cells. It even reduces your cortisol level because, hey, you are spending time in a natural environment and not being holed up in that room." Leslie said, and she turned.

She shrugged, "Hey, don't look at me like that. I might be blonde, but I am not ditzy."

"Hey, I wasn't saying you were," I said.

"You don't need to say; your expression says it all. Just so you know, I got my mother's features as well as her brain," Leslie grinned.

"I see," I muttered, continuing forward as she started to speak again.

She was really enjoyi