Someone's strong yet soft hands were tangled in Nandi's hair. Her mother slowly braided her hair, placing beads of gold and stone beads that jiggled as she let go. The smell of shea butter and Jojoba oil, which Nandi's mother's fingers caressed the roots between the parts before kissing the middle of her scalps.
"Remember, Nandi, you represent us, so even though this is your day off, don't forget who you are," her mother said firmly.
"Yes, Mother," Nandi said, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
"Have a good day, sweetheart." Her mother kissed her forehead.
Nandi walked out of the gates of her clan, stepping on deep enriched soil before making her way up a hill. And once she was over it, relief rolled off her shoulders, raising her arms to the sky and feeling the cotton summer dress sway around her legs before running to the thick, luscious jungle.
….
