“Oh. That’d be great. Thank you, sir.” Ford headed with Fred to the rear of the tent.
“Um, I was wondering,” Mercury said. “Would you point us to the tampons?”
“We’re out of tampons,” said Beth.
“Well, pads will do,” said Mercury.
“Sadly, we’re out of them too. Fortunately, the mayor found us plenty of these.” She reached behind her and handed Stella and Mercury each a box that was labeled “Intimina Lily Menstrual Cups.”
“As a woman Mayor Cruz understands the importance of feminine hygiene products, and in these troubling days, having something for that time of the month that’s reusable only make sense. I’m beyond the need for these, but I certainly wish I’d known about menstrual cups when I was younger. It boggles my mind to think of how much money they would’ve saved me.”
Stella looked up from reading the box. “So, these save your flow instead of absorbing it like a tampon.”
“That’s right, dear. Then you just pour it out, wash the cup, and reinsert it. They can be used for years and years, and each box comes with three cups.”
“I’ve wanted to try these things. I just never got around to it. Guess this is the perfect time to give them a go,” said Mercury. “Ma’am, could Stella and I trouble you for a couple more boxes? We have other women in our party.”
“Of course, dear. Here you go.”
Mercury put the boxes in her backpack, as well as Ford’s beard conditioner, wished Beth and Fred a great day, and headed out of the tent.
“What was all of that about?” Ford asked under his breath.
“Blood,” said Stella. “And how to save every drop a women has.”
“I cannot tell you how creeped out I am,” whispered Mercury.
“Keep it together, Acorn. We’re gonna get our asses out of here soon. Real soon,” said Stella. “Meanwhile, let’s hunt and gather.”
“Holy crap. There’re clothes. Like, new dresses and such,” said Mercury as she stared into the next tent, which was filled with colorful spring dresses hanging on metal rods and blowing slightly in the soft breeze like butterflies.
“Come on in! I’m sure we have something that’ll fit you!” The plump thirty-something woman who sat on a stool near the front of the tent grinned at them and gestured for them to enter her makeshift store. “I’m Abby. I’d love to help you ladies find something pretty to wear tonight to the festival. And in case no one’s told you yet—everything out here is free.”
“So we’ve heard,” said Mercury.
“Yes, that’s very nice,” said Stella.
“Well, that’s Madras.” Abby grinned. “A very nice place. The festival will be at Sahalee Park not far from here, on Seventh and C Streets.” Then her gaze shifted to Ford. “And two tents down you’ll find menswear.”
Ford shrugged. “I’m fine with what I have on.”
Stella looked him up and down. “Well, that’s great if you’re ready to be completely out-dressed. I mean, how many opportunities are we going to have to attend a festival?”
“Well,” Abby said conspiratorially, “she hasn’t announced it officially, but rumor has it Mayor Cruz is going to hold a festival every month. She says it’s good for morale.”
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to get dressed up,” Ford said. “I don’t want to embarrass you ladies.”
“Good choice, Ford,” Mercury said. “Let’s shop!”