I never quite how defining a moment it is to watch the sunset until today. There is something extraordinary about watching the sun’s slanting rays and taking in the cool evening breeze. It is an opportunity to reflect on the activities of the day and plan for tomorrow. Speaking of which, I cannot even contain my excitement. I can already envision the song and dance that my tribeswomen will break into as they lead me to the hut. “My tribeswomen” Yes! I can finally say it! Because after tomorrow, I will have brought pride into our home. Mother says that suitors will come tumbling over themselves as soon as the sun sets. I cannot wait to command the respect of my peers. They will look at me and say, “Flo, you are a proper woman, a woman of value, a courageous woman!” I am so overwhelmed that I do not even notice the night has already crept in. Nothing can be heard apart from the trees waving about and the one cricket that refuses to quit. Perhaps it is trying to remind me of how far I have fallen into the abyss. I must be completely out of my mind to even consider such foolish thoughts. After all, I was there when Nancy said she could no longer bear the pain and chose to end her life. Where were her suitors then? How stupid must I be to believe that my value is measured by the number of cows that are exchanged in my name? “Florence! Come into the house, it is getting late.” “Yes ma, just a minute.” Should I go in? Must I heed the orders of a woman that would allow her daughter to endure such a traumatizing experience? Of course, I remember how she sat on Nancy’s chest while the midwife spread her legs. It’s hard to forget how loudly she ululated as the tribeswomen carried Nancy from the hut after she could no longer walk. You know what? I am not excited about tomorrow. I am not a proper woman. I have no value and I lack the courage to face the knife. Sorry mother, but I would rather succumb to the creatures of the night.