“I'LL go to the guest bathroom to get the sanitary napkins.”

But before he left, Claudia held onto his hand and admitted, "I've actually run out of them."

"I'LL go out and buy some."

Claudia still didn't release her grip on him. She gestured towards his trousers, and then said apologetically, “Your trousers have been stained."

Bennett glanced down and reassured her, "It's alright. Go ahead and take a shower.”

“I'm truly sorry," Claudia expressed, her shame evident. She really didn't mean it. Bennett leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“I don't want to hear those three words from you, Mrs. Dreskin."

After saying that, he turned around and walked out of the bathroom. Following a quick change of pants, he headed to the garage and drove to the nearest convenience store to purchase sanitary napkins.

Bennett had never needed to buy sanitary napkins before. He found himself somewhat perplexed as he surveyed all the options on the store shelves. Momentarily overwhelmed, he reached for his phone and turned to Google for guidance.

Once Bennett had left, Claudia started to take a shower. When she finished her shower, Bennett's voice came from the door.

“Cece? Are you done?”

Claudia's face turned a shade of crimson as she accepted the packet of sanitary napkins from him. When she was ready, she opened the door and stepped out.

The pain in her belly continued to worsen, and Claudia felt much worse when she didn't see Bennett in the room.

Seated in front of her dresser, Claudia applied her face cream without much attention.

She didn't know where Bennett had gone, but he wasn't in the bedroom.

Was he angry? She wondered.

A sudden wave of melancholy washed over her. It was unfortunate that she had accidentally stained Bennett's trousers. But they were married. Mishaps Like these should be easily forgiven. Did he harbor such strong disapproval of her?

With a dull ache gnawing at her belly, Claudia Lacked the motivation to look for Bennett.

Slowly, she rose from her seat, pulled back the quilt, and nestled into the bed.

A mix of cramps and emotions left her feeling vulnerable during her period. The thought that Bennett might be angry with her only deepened her gloom.

She curled up and tried to will herself to sleep.

Just sleep. You won't feel so down if you fall asleep. Claudia thought to herself.

When Bennett returned, he found Claudia curled up on the bed.

Assuming she had fallen asleep, he placed the brown sugar and ginger tea on his bedside table. He asked softly, "Cece, are you asleep?"