What would happen if you got braids for the first time?

What would happen if you got braids for the first time? Day 1. You think, how tight can it really be? 10 minutes in, your scalp is negotiating peace terms. Why does it feel like your eyebrows are permanently surprised? Why can you feel your heartbeat in your hairline? You want to ask them to loosen it, but you've already committed.

So you sit there, strong, silent, suffering. Hour 2. It's finished. You stand up, you, more dangerous. You start walking like you have background music. Night 1. This is where reality attacks. You lie down. Instant regret. You normally toss and turn. Not anymore. Every braid touching the pillow feels personal. You try to adjust it. Big mistake. The scalp electricity returns. Day 2. The itch arrives. And you cannot scratch. You tap your head gently. It does nothing. Someone says, wow, I love your braids. You smile. Inside, your scalp is on fire. Day three, your scalp stops screaming or you've gone numb.

Either way, you start liking it. People treat you differently. More compliments, more attention. You catch your reflection more often. You realize something strange. The pain made it feel earned.

Then the moment comes. You take them out. Instant relief. Instant relief. Your hair explodes outward like it was imprisoned.