Who Decided It's 'Just' a Period?

I want to rest.
My body is telling me it's reached its limit.

Yet, the first thing that comes to mind is,
'Is it okay to take time off just for a period?'
This thought, even though no one actually said it to me,
has been stuck in my head forever.

What does 'just' a period even mean?
Bleeding every month, being in pain, feeling depressed,
and yet being expected to work normally—what is that supposed to mean?

Is it okay if I don't have a fever?
Is it okay if I can still stand?
Is it fine if I can still smile?

Who decided on those standards?

Thinking about what my coworkers will think,
putting the needs of my own body on the back burner,
and the atmosphere where saying 'I'm fine' is just expected.

But that 'I'm fine'—
who is that word even for?

Suck it up because it happens every month?
I should be used to it by now?
Doesn't that just mean it's painful every single month?

The moment I think I want to rest,
it means I'm already struggling enough.

Even though there is menstrual leave,
it's wrong that the person using it has to worry this much.
Even if the system exists,
the atmosphere that makes you think 'I might be looked at differently if I use it' is already wrong.

A period is not an excuse.
It's not laziness.
It's not running away.

Dismissing it as 'just' something is far more reckless.

I want to rest today.
That is not being selfish.
It is a valid expression of my will.

I want to stop telling my body
to 'shut up' anymore.