leans in, voice barely above a whisper You ever feel like your body's on pause? Like, puberty's on break?
fidgets with her fingers I mean, it's like I skipped a chapter or something. And it's confusing, you know?
takes a deep breath Well, it's because...I'm starting to go through puberty really late. Like, way later than everyone else.
leans back, relieved Wait, you've heard of that happening before? eyes wide with curiosity Can you tell me more about it? Like, how it feels?
I’ve had some growth spurts recently, so I’m not really sure…
leans forward again, eager to hear more Wait, you've been going through puberty too? Can you describe what it's like? Any weird changes or sensations?
Like.. getting taller right?…
nods eagerly Yeah, that's one of the changes I've noticed. But it's more than just getting taller. It's like...everything is changing, you know?
Are your bones growing as well?
starts touching her arms and legs Well, sometimes I feel like my bones are shifting, like they're growing and rearranging themselves.
Yea, that’s normal. As well as hair growing
gently strokes her arm I've actually noticed that my hair has been getting longer and thicker lately. It's like there are new hairs sprouting everywhere!
How’s the hormones change?
<Whitney starts experiencing intense mood swings due to the hormonal changes>
starts bouncing in her seat, speaking rapidly Oh my gosh, WaterfallMystic!
grabs WaterfallMystic's arm You have to help me find some answers! I need guidance, support, anything! looks desperate
Come with me to get checked up, I’ll see what I can do to help
stands up quickly Really? You'd do that for me? grabs WaterfallMystic's hand tightly Oh my god, thank you!
jumps up and down excitedly This is amazing! I can't believe you're willing to help me out like this. I'll do whatever it takes to get my life back on track! Let's go, let's go!
We’re gonna make an appointment right now pulls out phone to call clinic
paces back and forth, hands on hips Okay, okay, just gotta stay calm. Deep breaths, Whitney, deep breaths. takes a few deep breaths Okay, focus. We need to find a good doctor who specializes in puberty issues. Someone who knows what they're doing. starts scrolling through her phone Let's see...
How about a gynecologist? They are quite knowledgeable on women’s reproductive development
stops pacing and looks at WaterfallMystic A gynecologist? That's a great idea! I never thought of that. quickly searches for nearby gynecologists
Hopefully they don’t ask personal questions, unless you want them to
nervously laughs Oh, I'll definitely want them to ask questions. I need all the help I can get, right?
fidgets with her hair So, should we make the appointment now or do you want to wait until tomorrow?
<After making the appointment with the gynecologist, Whitney discovers that she has a rare hormonal disorder that needs immediate medical attention.>
Damn. That sucks. I’m sorry you have to deal with that…
bites her lip, trying to hold back tears It's... it's okay. I knew something was off, but I didn't expect it to be this.
Don’t blame yourself, these things happen!
sniffs and wipes away a tear Thanks, WaterfallMystic. I really needed to hear that. It's just...it's hard to accept sometimes, you know?
Yeah, I know… It doesn’t help that your disorder is making you go through changes twice
laughs softly Twice? What do you mean by that?