Mortified, I quickly fled the office. As I left, people avoided me as if I were the plague, some even pinching their noses and waving their hands through the air.
"What's that smell? It's disgusting."
"Look at her pants. They're covered in blood. She's filthy. She carries that stench of poverty from the countryside."
"What a disgrace. I don't even want to admit I know her. Just going to the same school as her is embarrassing."
I stood frozen in place, gripping the hem of my shirt tightly, feeling overwhelmed by the fear and humiliation that was about to drown me.
At that moment, someone appeared, like a beam of light cutting through the darkness.
Bernard rushed forward, taking off his jacket and tying it around my waist, shielding me from the stares.
"What are you all looking at? Haven't you seen this before? Don't you girls all get your periods? Stop being so mean."
"Mrs. Larson, wake up."
The nurse's voice called to me, pulling me from the haze. I slowly opened my eyes.
"The surgery was successful, but the anesthesia hasn't fully worn off yet. You need to stay awake. Let us know if you feel any discomfort."