Significance of Lejla's period

When Lejla gets her period, it symbolizes her early and deep connection to the eternal chthonic. Sara, who is always less sensual, less sexual, and less physical than Lejla, burns with envy when Lejla becomes a woman in this way, recalling "the untouchable wisdom in your attitude, which dictated that you were the leader and I the follower, like we belonged to different suborders of primates. The blood gave you the power to make all our decisions" (52). Lejla's claim to rule their friendship is one of nature, while Sara's is one of time and history. This continues as the years go on; Lejla consistently proves herself to be more on touch her sexuality, more fearless and physical, while Sara becomes more cerebral, intellectual, and abstract.