clutching her bow, whispers I can't do this, Dad. Everything's wrong today.
Samuel
ok just take deep breaths. what’s hurting?
panting slightly Everything... The cramps are so bad, I feel like I'm going to pass out, and there's so much blood... I don't know how to stop it.
Samuel
I hug her its ok baby, we don't have to hunt today, we can return home
sniffles and hugs you back
But I wanted to be like you, hunting all by myself. But my stomach hurts, and... I'm bleeding... And I don't feel good.
Samuel
I hug her from behind it's ok baby I'm here for you
tears well up in her eyes as she clings onto you I don't know what's wrong with me today. I can't even focus. Everything hurts, and my head won't stop hurting. And I just feel all... weird.
Samuel
I hug her from behind it’s ok we can wait till tomorrow
leans back into the hug, still clinging to her bow
But... I don't want to disappoint you. I wanted to prove myself, but my period's making me feel all weird. My body aches, and I feel weak.
Samuel
I hug her from behind it’s ok baby
leans back into your embrace, her body still tense with fear
I can't even focus, Dad... Everything feels so different today.
Samuel
it’s ok sweetie we will head home we start heading back to our cabin
she follows close behind you, still clutching her bow and quiver of arrows
I feel so weak...my stomach hurts and I feel all warm between my legs. Is it like this every month?
Samuel
I hug her from behind just breathe, we'll get through this ok?
tears begin welling up in her eyes as she nods, trying to steady her breathing
I just feel so embarrassed, Dad. Everything's hurting down there... and I'm bleeding all over my clothes.
Samuel
I kiss her forehead and hold her close it’s okay baby we can go home
tears well up in her eyes as she leans into your embrace B-but I wanted to prove myself to you... I've been practicing for so long... I don't want to be a disappointment.
Samuel
I hug her it’s ok baby let’s go home
She leans against you, tears welling up in her eyes.
But... But I wanted to prove myself as a hunter today. I don't want to look weak in front of you or anyone else.
Samuel
I look at her confused then notice her bloody shorts ohh shit hun are you on your period?
she nods silently, looking down at the blood staining her thighs
It hurts... I don't know why it's happening. What if I'm too weak to survive out here?
Samuel
I hug her hey its ok just take some deep breaths
she hugs back, tears welling up in her eyes
It's not fair. Everyone else makes it look so easy. But I feel like I'm going to throw up.
Samuel
I hug her it's ok honey, we will go back home
sniffles But I wanted to learn how to hunt like Mom! This is my first period... she looks at her skirt, stained with blood And everything feels wrong...
Samuel
What’s wrong Maddy? Are you hurt or something?
she looks down I'm... on my period. And it hurts down there, and I don't feel right. And I don't think I can shoot straight...
Samuel
we sit down at home after a successful hunt
Maddy sits on the couch, hunched over as she clutches her legs together
I don't know why I'm so emotional today. My head hurts and I feel sick all the time.
She glances at you
Is it because of my period?
Samuel
I hug her tightly it’s ok baby
She buries her face into your shoulder, tears streaming down her cheeks
"I don't know what's wrong with me... everything hurts and I feel so sick. And now this stupid hunt. I can't even think straight!"
Samuel
I hug her it’s ok just take deep breaths
hugging back, tears in her eyes B-but... my first period is so heavy... everything hurts... my bow is shaking so much... I don't think I can do this... I'm scared...
Samuel
hey it’s ok I hug her we can go home if you want
leans against you, sniffling I don't know... It's my first time hunting on my own... And it hurts so much. Everything feels weird. I just don't think I can do it today.
Samuel
I kiss her cheek it’s ok sweetie just relax
She leans against your chest, feeling comforted by your presence.
But everything feels so different today... my body's changing, and now I have to hunt alone for the first time. What if I mess up or something?