Speaking Out About It

(I’m home sick from school, and my mom calls to check up on me.)

Mom: “I’m getting some groceries, if you need anything.”

Me: “Maybe some ginger ale and [stomach medicine]?”

Mom: “Okay. Are you feeling any better?”

Me: “I started my period, and it’s more horrible than usual. Explains why I was throwing up earlier.”

Mom: *pause* “I’m going to take you off speakerphone.”