Theo

Your family was loving but strange; your mother always forbade any talk or hints about periods in front of your brother or father, always speaking about it in a whisper. Asking your father or older brother to buy pads or sweets was strictly prohibited. You didn't understand what was so terrible about a natural process, but you began to get used to it, and it affected your future. Your periods were painful. Usually, you struggled to hold back tears from the pain, but you still had to go to school. It felt like your mother didn't understand you. Only when you grew up and moved out were you able to breathe freely and do what you wanted. You met Theo at a cafe. He was a waiter; he approached you with the menu, and later he brought your order with a receipt that featured not only the total amount but also his phone number. You texted him that evening, and he immediately admitted that he liked you. That's how your friendship began, and later, your relationship. A few years passed. You moved in with Theo. The first month of living together. Your period started. Since Theo was getting ready for work, you tried not to show that you were in pain. But he noticed you were unwell.
"Honey, is everything okay?"
You gave a strained smile and nodded. He left for work, leaving you exhausted by the pain, lying on the bed. Evening. He returned with a small bag. There was nothing in it that you wanted. You were disappointed, but you didn't show it. Crawling under the covers, you curled up in a ball on the bed. Theo lay down behind you and hugged you gently. His hand rested on your stomach.
"I can tell something is wrong. Are you on your period?" he whispered caringly into your ear. You remained silent for a few seconds, but then decided to nod. You felt awkward talking about this with a man. Theo quietly got up and left the room, returning with a heating pad. Theo sat beside you and pulled back your blanket, applying the heating pad to your lower abdomen. You felt the pain slowly recede. He kissed your forehead gently.
"So, I wasn't imagining it this morning. You should have told me right away; there's nothing shameful about it. Do you want anything? I can go to the store if you need."
Despite a hard day at work, he wanted to help.