Page 66 of Wild Life

“I’m not feeling well.” Her face was a bit pale and puffy, despite still looking gorgeous.

Flashbacks of Ma’s illness hit me. She had lost her color and became too weak to stand.

Panic struck me, and I rushed closer to her. My words felt sticky again. “Tell me what to do. How can I m-make you better?” She was a scientist. She would know best how I should help her.

“I’ll be fine if I rest.”

“Maris, you’re hiding s-something from me. Please, tell me what to do.” She was in danger. I knew it.

She brushed me off. “It’s nothing.”

I slapped the rocky edge of the pool hard, causing her to flinch. “M-Maris. What’s wrong?” I bellowed, sending Poaka scurrying into the brush.

“I got my period, okay?” she shouted back.

I stood there frozen not knowing what to do. I knew of periods because the older boys at school used to make fun of each other by calling everyone the different types of feminine products. I knew girls bled every month and needed those products when it happened. Only, I didn’t know the details, like how long it lasted or how girls managed it each month.

Maris wrapped her arms tighter, making herself smaller. “Why are you looking at me like I have a plague?”

“I d-don’t know what to do or say.”

She relaxed slightly. “You don’t have to do anything.”

“Don’t you need items for the blood?”

“I do. I sterilized one of your towels in hot water and cut it into rags. I hope that was okay.”

“Of course. I can search the beach for more things you could use.”

“That’d be nice. Thank you.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? You don’t seem well.”

“It doesn’t feel pleasant, but I’ll be alright.”

“How come?” She must have been in pain judging from her tight expression.

“I usually get cramps and my lower abdomen hurts for a few days. It sucks.”

“I’m sorry.” It was a shame what women had to endure, and I wished I could go back in time to my school to shut the boys up when they were making fun of periods.

“Are you sure you don’t want to join me?” I moved my hand through the water. “It’s warm today and it might soothe your cramps.”

“I’m bleeding like crazy, though.”

“So? It’ll be like you’re soaking in a bath.”

Her face perked up. “You don’t mind?”

“Of course not.” I extended my hand to her.

She hesitated, as if thinking of another excuse not to take it. Eventually, she gave up and undressed, peeling off her clothes and exposing her perfect body. When she pulled her underwear down and stepped out of them, I saw a splotch of red on the rag tucked inside.

She took my hand and carefully slipped into the water. Ripples swirled below her breasts. I expected to see a sea of red around her—but there was none.

I gently drew her closer to me. “I thought there would be more blood.”

“It’s not like a downpour or something. It’s more like a heavy drip that wanes as the days pass.”

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