Maya Patel and the Inside-Out Curse

There were five ways Maya was supposed to die, and sitting in a school bathroom stall wasn't one of them. Staring at the blotchy mess splattered in her underwear, she couldn't help but feel... disappointed. Even falling off of a cliff; number 5 on her morbid list, would have been far more exciting. Unfortunately, the universe had conspired to end her glorious 6th grade existence with a curse. 

Maya had considered this possibility when making her list (she was usually a very prepared young woman), but had imagined her plight as something far more sensational. Perhaps she would transform into a hippopotamus, or float into outer space. Upon discovering the rust-coloured stain on the back of her skirt, she figured melting to the ground from embarrassment might not have been a bad bet either. After further consideration, she imagined the bloody cloth could possibly be the beginning stages of the curse that was slowly turning her body inside-out. She could imagine her organs slipping out of her by the second; slimy, long, snake-looking things wiggling about on the yellow tiles. But, after a few moments of consideration she made a decision. She would not allow her life to end like this. No, Maya Patel was destined for greater things. 

Shimmying up her uniform, and securing the belt, she constructed her master plan. She had to escape from the school. Even if she thought the inside-out curse was unimpressive, many of her classmates (as well as some teachers) were rather prone to squeamishness, and would surely make a fuss. Peeking around the corner, Maya inched her way across the first brightly coloured hallway, shoulder blades pressed to the wall. When she reached the red wooden door of her classroom, she couldn't help but listen in. 

"Class! Children," Ms. Lakshmi pleaded "Please settle down. You know you have your math test today". Maya's eyes widened. That was another thing she hadn't prepared for. Throwing caution to the wind, Maya took a risk and booked it across the corridor. She had freedom in her sights: fifty... twenty-five… then only ten more meters to go, when she felt a firm hand on her shoulder. 

"Hello Maya." said the voice behind her. "How are we doing today?".

 Maya held her breath. Perhaps if she didn't respond to the voice it would become interested in something else.

"Still here.", it chuckled, shattering her illusion. "How about we have a chat in my office?".

"Hmm… all right," Maya conceded, "But you should know that every minute we speak is another intestine exiting my body". "

Principal Aditi sighed; a long, drawn out noise, practiced from years of thwarting childish antics, "Very interesting. Please, do tell me more!" 

Once inside the office, it became apparent that the elder did not understand the gravity of the curse. Nevertheless, she listened carefully as Maya explained her situation. 

"So," Maya concluded, "I have obviously angered some powerful sorcerer who is wrongly punishing me for my actions. Now, if you will leave me be, I can get on with finding them and have this whole business done quickly."

"Maya, I have good news for you.", Principal Aditi declared. "You have not been cursed. Instead, you've just experienced your first period. It's a natural thing that happens to all girls when they grow older. You'll be perfectly fine, and your teacher will definitely help you understand what to do every month to take care of yourself."

Maya let this information sink in. So… her condition wasn't a curse, exactly. In fact, it was utterly... normal!

An hour later, with a clean skirt, a dolefully completed math test, and less concern for her own safety, she considered the possibilities. Ms. Aditi was a kind woman, but adults were far too simple-minded to discover the true extent of this newfound superpower. As usual, the responsibility fell to her. 

Skipping back from school, she grinned. Maya Patel had the world to conquer.