Savage Days for the Gentle

Chapter 9: Ms. Sweeny's Testimony

Charged my cell phone underneath the stall as it was 5 percent. Honestly, I did not sleep well since I scrolled through the phone for 3 hours straight. Imagine that, now I'm facing the consequences of fatigue and worries.

*Ding ding*

Mm, I saw my notifications on my phone as I stared at it. A message from Jake in our chat group. What could it be? I clicked the messaging app to see the complete message. It says: Hi again! Naomi has Ms. Sweeny's back to broadcast her testimony. Come up to the auditorium!" Yes! Let's go and help them out. A one moment of time for the people.

I rushed through the staircase like being chased by a killer. I was sweating when I reached the third floor. I panted with my face down and looked up to see Jake and Rainee mildly. "You good? Need some water?" Jake asked. "I'm good, thank you." I replied back. We all entered the room with a video camera set mounted up in front of a standing Ms. Sweeny. Naomi beckoned us to the back of the set as we started.

"Ready, Ms. Sweeny?" Naomi cued. The camera was pressed to record, Ms. Sweeny let out a sigh. She now uttered her speech:

"I am a woman. No matter if people judge this capability of mine, my body is worth more to glorify. As you all know about the incident on our campus, it is offensive on my part to sensationalize a normal chassis of ladies. I myself have been through tight and painful times of the month. To let others know what I felt back then, an unimaginable description of hurt that tingled from my head to toes. I needed to expect cramps, headache, and extreme fatigue every month, which has been a challenge with my career. I always say to my colleagues that I can manage. I just did not want to feel ashamed of myself at first. Now that I realize how terrible this world can treat women for being normal. I'm one of those ladies out there who has been discriminated against for being themselves. Despite the unfairness, I still go on to fight this worthwhile battle, not just for myself bnt to encourage other girls who are struggling to get out of their box. No sorrow and doubts to let my body menstruate at its time.. I am standing in front of you telling you that we must change our mindset towards us. Now that I've shared my experiences in red days, how about your story?"

As she internalized her speech in front of the camera, many students attended in the auditorium to watch her live. With a final touch, the audience applauded for her performance. I sight some students crying, proud of her, and bored. Naomi stood beside Ms. Sweeny and announced, "Thank you so much for listening to our first testimonial of a girl's day. We are looking forward to hearing more of your stories here in the school auditorium. You may proceed to your classes." They all agreed and went back to their own businesses. I immediately hugged Ms. Sweeny, while the rest of the team followed. "Thank you for opening up our project, teacher!" I expressed my gratitude.

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It has been five months since the beginning of our team's reformation in school. Many people decided to join in our project, which is a heartfelt participation to be part. I woke up from my bed with bright eyes and a smile. "Another day, yet another powerful business that needs to be done." I declared. My revitalized body got up quickly and left the room for breakfast. No one's awake though, amenably at your service! I grabbed a sandwich prepared last night by Naomi and departed from the dorm.

I stepped out of the dorm building until I was halted by Carol on the foot. Here she goes again... Then, we both started screaming in joy. "How are you, bestie?!" She asked while embracing me tightly. "I'm doing great!!!" I answered. Haha, we became friends now because of this project, which is one of the reasons why I can't leave it be.

Three months ago, after one of my classmates' delivered her speech in the auditorium, Carol came up to me, inviting me to meet at the front gate later on. At the first thought, it would be unnecessary to approach Carol for what she did to my roommates. "You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!" I whispered in her ear. She just left in my presence without a word. That time, I was feeling the guilt of threat towards her. I needed to apologize for my harsh words.

On the designated time and place, I was waiting for her to come, hoping she will still despite what I've done to her beforehand. Suddenly, I felt a hand clasping against my fist. I looked over to see it is Carol. "I'm...sorry...for...everything..." She muttered to kneel before me. "Please, forgive me for what I've done....I don't want to be expelled when I just enrolled here." Carol then justified her explanation. "What can you do to make up with my other friends Naomi and Rainee?" I philosophically asked. "Um...I'll humbly apologize to them, and- and I'm going to erase the posts I made in social media." She answered. I hope she keeps her promise, so I forgave her and befriended her. After a while, the posts about the incident was archived, and people shrugged their shoulders off from the issue. Knowing I trusted her, Rainee and Naomi's reputations were greatly restored. Everything went back to normal....

"Okay! See you in class, and I hope you will do well with your job!" Carol said as a parting word. I waved goodbye to her and continued my way to the stall. As I entered the school building, a few students were standing by in front of my stall. But then, I heard my phone buzzing like someone is calling. It's Naomi. I accepted the call and heard her: "Hiiii! A lot of people are waiting in front of your stand. Please do hurry up! Have funn." She dropped the call without letting me say a word, but anyways back to work!

10 minutes later, I catered the whole queue of people waiting. Wohoo! What an awesome day. I hope this project will not end sooner or later, it shall be bequeathed to the next batch below us. However, my vision became strange. It looked like I'm about to close my eyes, yet I push myself to not to. First, the lights were a kaleidoscope. Then, it swirls like a black hole swallowing my sight.

Finally, I heard a thud that hit me as my eyes were closely black.....