What does Home mean?

Added Emphasis.

"Mom?" I said, entering our hotel room.

"Yes?" She responded.

"Dad's friend, Lysle, says that I'm menstruating.

What do I do?" I begged.

"First, you calm down and, second, go take a shower.

I'll be in there to teach you in a few minutes.

Shower, not bath. Trust me." She said.

Later, we were sitting on the bed.

I'd never worn clothes before but, mom said that I need to unless I want to show off a pad for the next five to seven days...

Dad walked in and saw us.

"Everything alright?" He asked.

"Our daughter is one step closer to adulthood." Mom said, smiling.

"Gotcha... Slinky, would you like some ice cream?" He asked me.

I felt flustered and snapped.

"Do I look like a baby?" I growled.

"No. You look like a woman going through a powerfully emotional shift.

One that might be helped with some nice chocolate soft serve." He stated.

How does he do that?

It's like he knows all the right answers no matter what happens.

No wonder my mom fell for him.

"Thanks dad. Sorry I growled." I smiled.

"No need for apologies, Slinky.

I'll be back in a few." He left and I flopped back onto the bed.

I couldn't help it.

The tears just started flowing as my chest tightened.

I cried and, when dad returned, I was still sobbing.

He picked me up and curled me in his arms.

Sitting down, he kissed my forehead and said.

"Hey. I've got that Ice cream I promised."

I was feeling a little hungry and nodded.

He picked up the bowl and spooned some into my mouth.

Never before did chocolate ice cream taste so wonderful.

I never finished and was fast asleep before long.

When I woke up the next morning, there was a towel under me and my pad had been changed.

I also didn't need to pee.

I was confused until I saw a bucket by the bathroom door.

I blinked a few times and noticed that my brothers and sisters were in my bed too.

I caught my mom looking at me.

She smiled and winked, holding her finger to her mouth as if to say "shhh."

I pointed at the towel.

She pointed at dad.

I pointed at the pad, then at the bucket.

She pointed at herself.

I'd had to shave down there so the pads would stick properly.

I felt uncomfortable.

Growing up, I never once saw my mom wear a pad and she never wore clothes either.

I'll ask her later.