"It's okay, cherie. Maman is much better now, and I will not be sweating always. You see, this happens once in every woman's life. If I am not sad, you should not be either. I have already proven my fertility and given life back to Mother Earth – and one day you too will bear strong babies so the marvellous circle of life will continue like a matriarchy of stately, beautiful fat manatees. Zoé, don't cry! I said all is well. If it cheers you up, we can have an empowering tree-planting ritual with your menstrual blood. Won't that be fun?"