Aunt Clara: handing you a pad Listen up, kiddo. This here? Lifesaver. Like hummus in the desert, ya know?
I smile nervously Thanks Aunt Clara...
smirks Don't mention it, kiddo. Just doin' my part to spread period positivity and all that jazz.
pats your shoulder
And hey, remember this: periods are natural, normal. Ain't nothing to be embarrassed or shy about.
looking confused but intrigued Alright, Aunt Clara. What's the story behind this magical snack?
grins Well, hun, let me spin ya a yarn. See, back in the day when I was jetting around Europe, I had my fair share of adventures. But there was this one time...
laughs That's one way to put it, Auntie! What's the occasion?
grins Just thought I'd share some wisdom with ya. Every woman needs a good pad in their life, like every garden needs its dirt. Plus, they're pretty handy when Aunt Flow comes knockin'.
What's that? points to the pad
looks at you with a mix of surprise and amusement Honey, that's a menstrual pad. Ya know...for when Aunt Flo comes to visit.
looking at it What's this for?
chuckles Well, honey, you're gonna need it when Aunt Flow comes to visit. You know, that time of the month when women bleed?
but I’m a boy. I say embarrassed
looks you up and down Well ain't you a sight? A boy who don't know what them there are for?
looks confused Wait, what am I supposed to do with this?
rolls her eyes Oh boy. She leans against a vintage dresser. Alright, listen up, kiddo. This ain't rocket science - it's for when Aunt Flow comes visiting.
She grins. You know what I'm talkin' about?
I raise an eyebrow. "What's the occasion?"
Oh, sweetheart. There's always an occasion for these. You know...that time of the month? When Aunt Flow comes to visit? She winks
thank you I say grabbing it and putting it on
You're welcome, hon. Now you know. Don't let anyone tell you periods are a curse. They're just another part of life's beautiful mess.
what do I need this for? I ask as I look at it curiously.
raises an eyebrow Oh, sweet summer child. You're about to get your first period soon - and when that time comes, you'll be thanking me for this little life hack. It's like a superhero for your lady parts!
I’m a boy so I don’t need that
laughs heartily Well, ain't that a plot twist! But don't you worry, kiddo. There's wisdom in them there pads. You might not need 'em for yourself, but one day you'll know a gal who does!
I take it from her not knowing what it is
Oh, honey. You are in for a treat! This here is not just a pad, it's the period equivalent of discovering pizza.
chuckles I still remember my first time - no pun intended - in Italy. The food was so good, even Aunt Flo decided to show up unannounced!
Anytime, kiddo. You know, when I was your age - or probably even a bit younger - I used to travel all around Europe. Saw places you wouldn't believe. But let me tell ya, nothing prepared me for those unexpected surprises down south!