Scalded

Eulalia felt a dull ache in her abdomen, as if something was moving inside. She rushed to the bathroom and froze when she saw the blood on her pants.

Is it my period? Eulalia's cycle was irregular, and she realized it had been a while since her last one. No wonder it hurt so much this time.

She put on a pad and filled her hot water bottle, placing it next to her belly. But the pain was unbearable. She quickly took two strong painkillers to finally suppress the cramps.

Curled up in bed, she felt drained, unable to focus.

Mabel came upstairs to check on her. "Eulalia, are you okay? Should I call a doctor?"

"No need," Eulalia rasped, clutching her blanket. "It's just my period. I'll be fine in a couple of days."

Mabel nodded and left, gently closing the door behind her.

Not long after, footsteps approached again. The door opened. Eulalia assumed it was Mabel and didn't bother to look.

It wasn't until a shadow loomed over her that she sensed something was off. She turned her eyes and met