I stand on my tiptoes, trying to reach the cereal box. My hand reaches up into the cabinet, and I shuffle on my toes, grasping for it, but the box of cheerios is just out of reach.
Kisa stands beside me making her own breakfast, but we both know she can't help me, she's shorter than I am, if that's even possible.
"Hup!" I say, "Hup!", as I jump for the cereal box.
Finally, my hand hits the corner and I grab it, pulling it down.
I walk around the kitchen grabbing things. A bowl, a spoon, and the milk. I hand Kisa a spoon for her yogurt. She smiles at me.
The kitchen tile is cold on my bare feet. I can't wait to sit down and stick them under the warmth of the kotatsu.
I'm pouring the milk when I notice. I startle at first, spilling white drops all down the front of my pajama shirt. I set down the carton.
There, on the back of Kisa's purple pajama shorts, blooms a dark red stain.
Oh no.
I know what periods are of course, I am fifteen. Is this her first one? I don't know.
She's only 12. That's awfully young.
Kisa's pouring hot water from the kettle into a mug, so I don't say anything. I wouldn't want her to startle and burn herself.
Once the kettle is safely back on the stovetop, I put an arm around her. She still startles a bit unfortunately, but she doesn't pull away as I guide her out of the kitchen and down the hall.
"Come with me Kisa," I say, "It's ok."
I lead her to the bathroom.
"What's wrong Momiji?" she asks me.
"Umm you sorta have blood on your pants," I say, "I didn't want anyone to see and you get embarrassed."
"Huh?!" cries Kisa.
Her eyes widen and she whips around, looking in the mirror.
"Ah!" she cries, and she quickly sits down and pulls down her shorts, right in front of me.
"Kisa!" I say, throwing my hands up to block my view of her, "It's ok, don't panic!"
I back away, not wanting to invade her privacy, but she continues to panic.
