Rae Ann, the main character in Toni Cade Bambara’s “A Girl’s Story”, has her first encounter with her menstrual cycle. This coming of age event seems typical; however, it is a true scare for the child because she is unaware of this bodily function. She has grown up without a mother and currently lives with her stern grandmother and unsympathetic brother. These circumstances leave Rae Ann with few consultants for information about growing up. Rae Ann does speak with Dada Bibi, a woman at a local center, but not about anything that would prepare her for her period.
     Since Rae Ann does not know why she is bleeding she tries different ways to cure the situation. She elevates her hips, uses endless amounts of tissues, and cleans up after herself to ensure that this does not become known to anyone. She is nervous about what her grandmother may say about all the missing towels. She does not want to shower because it makes her uneasy and lines her bedding with newspaper. Rae Ann thinks that she is either sick or being punished. The bleeding reminds her of her deceased mother.
    Rae Ann does contemplate visiting Dada Bibi regarding her condition but she is scared to travel the distance to the center. Rae Ann is convinced that Dada Bibi will know exactly what to do. On a previous day Dada Bibi questioned Rae Ann’s desire to talk about becoming a woman but unfortunately was denied. Rae Ann remains clueless and frightened.
    Rae Ann’s brother Horace interrupts her while in the bathroom and exploits her condition to the grandmother. Once the grandmother finds out Rae Ann is bleeding she assumes the worse. She accuses Rae Ann of attempting an abortion just like Rae Ann’s mother. Once the grandmother is enlightened she calms down and guides Rae Ann into her bedroom and later returns with a package of products. She does not aid Rae Ann any further. Rae Ann is left alone to learn about menstruation through written instructions.