It was a very sunny day in Pretoria at Maverick primary school. Mrs. Danny was giving her English lesson when she heard loud crackles at the back of her class. Whenever she asked what the problem was, no one responded.

Verbs: are doing words.

Examples: run, sing, walk.

Who is laughing in my classroom?

Thandeka, a very shy and reserved girl was one of the two learners who were not laughing. She sat at the edge of her seat. Too uncomfortable to even move an inch.  She felt the wetness in her panties and spot the bloodstain on her blue school skirt, but she still did not understand what was going on.

Verbs: are doing words.

Examples: run, sing, walk.

Miles, one of Thandeka’s friends stood up and yelled “it's normal to have periods” And the loud crackles died as all heads turned towards him. Thandeka screamed and after an awkward silence she asked, “periods? What do you mean periods?”  

It is normal to have periods.

Verbs: are doing words.

Examples: run, sing, walk.

Periods! What do you mean periods?

Miles confidently walked towards Thandeka and explained, “my sister had these a few weeks ago and my mom said that every woman goes through that stage.” All you need is a pad and chocolates he cracked his boyish smile and Thandeka her shy smile and she started  feeling comfortable and at that realization that what she was experiencing was a normal thing.

Verbs: are doing words.

Examples: run, sing, walk.

My sister had these a few weeks ago and my mom said that every woman goes through that stage.

Mrs. Danny walked towards Thandeka and caressed her cheeks, and said, “its right Thandi, you do not need to feel ashamed” the teacher turned her attention to the rest of the class and said neither of you need to laugh about this, because it is part of womanhood. Your mother and older sisters went through this.

It is  alright Thandi, you do not need to feel ashamed