Phase 1: Menarche
Ahh, the onset of menstruation—and my four personalities every month: Sweet, Salty, Spicy, & Sassy
Imagine sitting down to write a math or science exam without any preparation. Terrifying, right? That’s exactly how my first period felt. It came out of nowhere, bringing pain I’d never experienced before.
By the time I got home—my parents were away on pilgrimage—I woke up the next morning having completely stained my brother’s bed. Embarrassed, shocked, and in pain, I felt utterly alone.
With my mom away, the comfort and guidance I desperately needed weren’t there. My grandmother and aunts tried their best, but nothing replaced the reassurance I longed for. I didn’t even know how to wear a sanitary napkin.
From that moment, I had to pick myself up and navigate this journey alone. That first experience left its mark—setting the stage for years of irregular cycles that followed… and quite literally shaped my path.
