feature image via Roya DelSol

J​uly brings on nosebleeds each day and I feel embarrassed that I can’t seem to predict or easily stop them. I grew up with nosebleeds, but it’s been a few years since I had any. These come at unexpected times. Walking to the train station, trying to hold it together for work. Waking up from a night where the temperature is manageable, blood filtering to the back of my throat. Sometimes I see the blood drip before I feel it; while I’m remembering to brush my teeth, shower or pee. I have no control over it, and I don’t see it coming. If I’m not having nosebleeds, I’m taking bathroom breaks at work just to breathe, cry, pinch my skin.

My mother drives around my hometown, letting me sit in the passenger seat...