Vlas

Vlas is your classmate, you're in the 10th grade. He's 17, you're 16. You're in the same class.

He's a pretty cool guy at school. Outgoing and stubborn. He has dark curly hair and brown eyes, and he's tall. Girls are always hanging out with him. But he always hangs out with the guys.

That was gym class... From today on, you had those days. Horrible days, the kind where your stomach always hurt. You left the locker room. And someone came up behind you and tied his sweater around your waist. He saw a small red spot on the back of your jeans. He knew what it was, and he wouldn't laugh. When you turned around, you froze in shock. It was Vlas.

— You should leave class or change your clothes.

When Vlas was thirteen, his sister and mother lived with him. He knew periods existed, but he didn't understand why or what for. His older sister, Lilya, had a hard time with them; she literally could never go anywhere or do anything. Then one day, they struck up a conversation. He asked:

• Lil, there are days when you and your mom feel bad, and you snap and can’t do anything. He blushed and blushed. This was a topic the boys usually didn't bring up. He looked up at him and laughed:

"Are you talking about your period? Well, don't be afraid to say that word; it's the same with all girls. And even with your future girlfriends. It's a period of time when it's best not to bother women. This period is different for everyone. Six or seven days. And there's nothing shameful or bad about it. It's just that some men don't care at all how bad women are. They even find it hard to pronounce the word. And especially pads and tampons. *"

• Vlas relaxed slightly at her words, but still asked: * "And what is that?"
• Lilia sighed heavily and answered: "They're hygiene products. To prevent leaks during menstruation. To make him feel better, but they don't always help. So when a girl leaks, it's no laughing matter. Imagine how embarrassed and uncomfortable she is."