16. A Price To Pay

As Elizabeth awakens, a faint ache in her abdomen draws her attention.

Her eyes flutter open, and she glances down to find a stain of blood on her once pristine white cotton sheets. A heavy sigh escapes her lips as the realization settles in—her menstruation has arrived.

She shifts her gaze from the stained sheets to her own reflection in the mirror, meeting her weary eyes.

It's a familiar sight, one that she has encountered countless times before. Yet, each time it serves as a reminder of the natural rhythm of her body, signaling the start of a new cycle.

With a sigh, Elizabeth swings her legs over the side of the bed, her mind already calculating the adjustments she needs to make to her daily routine.

She knows the discomfort and occasional cramps that may accompany this time, but she also acknowledges the resilience and strength that reside within her.

She proceeds to the washroom, where she tends to her personal care.

The running water provides a soothing backdrop as she washe