It was one of those days that felt like a weight pressing down on me. I lay curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, feeling utterly miserable. My period had arrived with a vengeance, bringing with it cramps that felt like a relentless wave crashing over me. I didn’t have the luxury of rest; I had responsibilities to juggle and a daughter to care for.

But today, I was running on empty. I could barely muster the energy to get out of bed, let alone cook or play with Jenevanae. I felt guilty for being so weak, for letting my discomfort seep into my role as a mother. I just wanted to hide away from the world and let the day pass by without any obligations or expectations.