𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟑

Start from the beginning
                                    

The results flooded the screen, and I skimmed through the information, trying to wrap my head around it.

"Menstruation can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including:

Physical symptoms: Tender breasts, bloating, fluid retention, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, acne, abdominal cramps, diarrhea or constipation, lower back pain, trouble sleeping, and low energy.

Emotional symptoms: Moodiness, irritability, feeling sad or emotional.

"Some people may experience symptoms a few days before they begin bleeding, and symptoms can vary from person to person and from cycle to cycle. For most people, the discomforts are manageable and don't interfere with their daily lives, but for some, symptoms can be severe."

I read through the list, each word painting a clearer picture of what she might be going through. Her Moodiness, irritability, feeling sad or emotional—it all made sense now. She wasn't just being difficult; she was dealing with something intense, something I could never fully understand.

As I continued scrolling, I stumbled upon another search suggestion: "How to take care of my wife during her periods?" I clicked on it without hesitation, eager to learn how I could help her.

The search yielded some practical advice:

"Ensure she stays hydrated and eats well-balanced meals."

"Offer her a hot water bottle for cramps."

"Be patient and understanding; mood swings are common."

"Encourage her to rest and relax."

"Show her extra love and care—sometimes, a small gesture can make a big difference."

I read the tips carefully, committing them to memory. It wasn't just about grabbing a few items from the store—it was about understanding what she was going through and being there for her, even if I didn't fully get it.

Shutting off my phone, I stepped out of the car and headed into the store. I hurried my steps as she must be waiting for me.

I entered the aisle marked with a small sign: "Feminine Hygiene."

I quickly found the section with sanitary pads and tampons, but the sight that greeted me made my head spin. There were so many brands, each one boasting different features—extra absorbent, overnight protection, wings, no wings, organic cotton, and the list went on. I had no clue which one she would prefer. Should I just ask her?

As I pulled out my phone to call her, realization hit me like a brick. I didn't have her number. A wave of disappointment washed over me, one that I hadn't felt in a long time. How had I overlooked something so basic? I stood there, phone in hand, feeling more than a little lost.

After a minute of indecision, I came to a conclusion. If I didn't know which one she used, I'd get them all. I started grabbing one of each brand, filling my basket with every type of pad and tampon they had on the shelf. It felt a little excessive, but I didn't care. The last thing I wanted was to get it wrong.

I also picked up some heating pads and pain relievers, figuring they might help ease her discomfort.

With the basket overflowing, I made my way to the checkout. The cashier glanced at the pile of items, raising an eyebrow in silent surprise. His expression was more than I could handle at the moment. I shot him a glare, clearly feeling annoyed. This wasn't about me or what anyone thought. It was about making sure she had what she needed.

He quickly rang up the items, and I paid the money, feeling a slight sense of relief as I collected the bags and headed back to the car.

As I settled back into the driver's seat, another thought dawned on me. Did she skip dinner because of her mood swings, or was she genuinely not feeling hungry? I had read that mood swings and loss of appetite could be part of the whole experience during  periods. But I couldn't shake the concern that maybe she was in pain or too uncomfortable to eat.

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒(𝟏𝟖 )Where stories live. Discover now