At 5 a.m., the church was blanketed in the silence of the early morning. The faint glow of moonlight seeped through the edges of Maria's curtains, casting soft shadows on the walls. Maria stirred in her bed, feeling a dull ache in her lower abdomen. Her body felt unusually heavy, and she instantly recognized the familiar signs—her menstrual cycle had begun.
Sighing softly, she got out of bed and shuffled toward the washroom. The cold tiles against her bare feet made her shiver as she splashed water on her face. Returning to her room, she wrapped herself in a warm shawl and sank back into bed, staring at the ceiling.
Her mind drifted to her conversation with Ayesha the previous evening. Ayesha had explained how women were exempted from prayers during their cycle, a teaching Maria found both surprising and comforting.
Maria: (thinking to herself)
"I never thought of it this way before. It's like a small act of kindness, recognizing that we need rest during this time. But… I can't tell anyone here about it. They wouldn't understand."
She turned over, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. Slowly, her thoughts grew hazy, and she drifted back into a light sleep.
---
A Quiet Afternoon
By the time Maria woke up again, the soft hum of activity around the church told her it was nearing lunchtime. She glanced at the clock—it was 1:45 p.m. She hadn't eaten anything all day, and her stomach felt uneasy.
Maria: (whispering to herself as she sat up)
"I need to eat something. I can't let myself feel worse before my appointment."
She got dressed slowly, putting on a simple sweater and scarf, and made her way to the dining hall. The faint aroma of soup and freshly baked bread wafted through the air. She spotted Sister Jessica and a few others seated at one of the long tables.
Sister Jessica: (smiling as Maria approached)
"Maria, there you are. I was wondering if you were feeling alright. You weren't at breakfast."
Maria: (forcing a small smile)
"Oh, I was just feeling a bit tired this morning. I thought I'd rest for a while."
Jessica nodded sympathetically.
Sister Jessica:
"Well, make sure you eat something. There's chicken soup today—it'll help warm you up."
Maria thanked her and quietly served herself a bowl of soup and a slice of bread. Sitting down at the far end of the table, she slowly sipped her soup, her mind preoccupied with her upcoming doctor's appointment.
---
The Doctor's Visit
By 3 p.m., Maria was seated in the waiting room of the small clinic near the church. The clinic was modest but clean, with white walls and a faint smell of antiseptic. A few other patients sat nearby, flipping through old magazines or scrolling through their phones.
Maria shifted in her seat, feeling slightly self-conscious. She wasn't used to visiting doctors alone, and the thought of explaining her symptoms made her a little nervous.
Nurse: (calling out from the doorway)
"Miss Maria?"
Maria stood up and followed the nurse into a small examination room. A middle-aged doctor with kind eyes and a warm smile greeted her.
Doctor: (extending his hand)
"Good afternoon, Maria. I'm Dr. Ahmed. How can I help you today?"
Maria hesitated for a moment before speaking.
Maria: (softly)
"I've been feeling a lot of discomfort lately during my menstrual cycle. The cramps are quite severe, and it's been affecting my daily routine."
The doctor nodded, making notes on a clipboard.
Dr. Ahmed:
"That's not uncommon. Many women experience significant discomfort during their cycle. Let's ask a few questions to understand your situation better. How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?"
Maria explained her history as the doctor listened attentively. After a brief examination and discussion, Dr. Ahmed leaned back in his chair.
Dr. Ahmed:
"It sounds like you have primary dysmenorrhea, which is essentially painful cramps during menstruation. It's not uncommon, but there are ways to manage it. I'll prescribe you some medication to help with the pain and recommend a few lifestyle changes that might make things easier."
Maria nodded, feeling a sense of relief.
Maria:
"Thank you, doctor. I was worried it might be something more serious."
Dr. Ahmed: (smiling)
"It's good that you came in. Many women try to push through the pain without seeking help, but it's always better to address these issues. If the pain persists or worsens, let me know, and we can explore further options."
He handed her a prescription and a pamphlet with tips on managing menstrual discomfort.
---
Returning to the Church
By the time Maria returned to the church, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the snow-covered grounds. She felt a little better knowing she had taken a step toward addressing her health, but the lingering fatigue reminded her to rest.
Back in her room, she placed the medicine on her bedside table and lay down for a while. Her mind wandered back to her conversation with Ayesha.
Maria: (thinking to herself)
"It's interesting how faith and practical teachings can align. Taking care of ourselves, whether through rest or medicine, seems to be a common thread in both faith and science."
---
An Evening of Reflection
After dinner, Maria spent some time reading and jotting down her thoughts in her journal. The quiet of the evening gave her a chance to process everything that had happened that day.
Maria: (writing in her journal)
"Today reminded me of the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking help when we need it. The doctor's advice was helpful, but Ayesha's words also linger in my mind. Perhaps there's a balance to be found between faith, self-care, and resilience."
As the night deepened, Maria found herself feeling more at peace. The combination of practical solutions and spiritual reflections gave her a sense of clarity she hadn't felt in a long time.
---
Closing the Day
Before going to bed, Maria stood by her window, gazing at the snow-covered courtyard below. The faint glow of the streetlights illuminated the scene, casting long shadows across the ground.
Maria: (whispering to herself)
"Every day is a lesson, and I'm grateful for the strength to keep learning."
With that thought, she closed the curtains and climbed into bed, ready to face whatever the next day might bring.