An Overflow Of Shutting Up

(I am around 13 years old. It’s important to note that my dad does not have any sisters, or female cousins. Effectively, I am the first female he has been in close proximity to during puberty.)

Dad: “[My Name], get ready. We are going to go to the beach.”

Me: “Do I have to? Can’t I just stay home?”

Dad: “No, we’re all going.”

Me: “Okay. I’m not going to go into the water today, though.”

Dad: *now beginning to get annoyed* “Why not? Just put on your bathing suit! You love going to the beach! Why don’t you want to go now?”

Me: *embarrassed and uncomfortable* “Because I’m on my period!”

(To date, I have never seen my dad stop talking and walk away so quickly. About 10 minutes later, my mom came up to me almost in tears because she was laughing so hard. She said she had never seen my dad speechless in all the years they had been together. After that incident, my dad has referred to all periods as “sharks.”)