My mom sat on the edge of my bed, a book explaining women’s bodies open between us. She held out a Kotex pad, long wads of cotton wrapped in gauze, long tails on each end to thread and secure into an elastic belt worn around my waist. I didn’t want to wear this, but there seemed little choice. I asked how it felt to have a period, to wear this contraption, then asked, “What do boys get?” She didn’t understand so I explained, “If we get periods, what do boys get?” Mom hunched, deflating her chest and answered simply, “Nothing.”
Elaine Turner lives in Idaho where she cares for her parents and teaches college freshman. She has been published in Southwest Art and Exponent II. Instagram: @elainetlamb