Chapter 3: Moments Before!

Moments before when the sun was setting beneath the horizon, it cast a warm golden light over the landscape. Children were scattered along the river, playfully splashing each other as laughter and exhilaration filled the atmosphere. In the clear, glimmering waters, their pure joy resonated among the trees. Some were diving in while others swam, competing against the current. The sounds of donkeys drinking from the riverbank mingled with the activity of men and women washing their clothes. Meanwhile, birds fluttered their wings, and the trees conversed with each other in the breeze.

While the afternoon sky created a vibrant display of colors overhead, the children remained absorbed in their joyful play, completely unaware of the observing gazes around them. This served as a reminder that even amid the intricacies of life, one could still discover moments of pure happiness. I was focused on the gourds laid out before me, which I still needed to complete. Cleaning them had always been a challenge for me, as I found the slimy texture inside them repulsive. However, Jonas encouraged me until it became manageable. I found it fascinating to see him skillfully carve them into various shapes, and nearly all of our dishes and tools were fashioned from gourds. Jonas possessed remarkable crafting abilities, transforming his talent into a small enterprise.

At the riverbank, the gentle waves lapped against the smooth stones, forming a calming tune that harmonized with the rhythmic noise of laundry being done. Squatted by the water's edge, I was focused on meticulously scrubbing a collection of gourds. I enjoyed doing this by the river, as it simplified the cleaning process. I was completely unaware that my body was partially exposed. while plunging the gourd in the water, and shook it to dislodge the leftover seeds within, each motion further revealed the exposed areas of my body.

The sun's light enveloped my skin, imbuing it with a glistening, golden radiance, while a faint breeze playfully tousled my garments. My face, framed by loose tendrils of dark hair, displayed a focused determination as I continued my work. Unaware of the few onlookers who quietly gazed from afar, silently observing my efforts. They might have been impressed by my elegance or skill in executing the task, yet deep down, they likely felt pangs of compassion for the challenges I might encounter in life.

I observed the boys huddled together, sharing whispers and laughter about an unknown topic. Their interest was clearly ignited, and they exchanged giggles while peering out from behind one another. I imagined that my movements appeared to them as a mysterious dance, with water and the gourds as my partners. I did not pay them any mind, as numerous fascinating activities were unfolding around the river at that moment. Therefore, it was not unexpected for them to be so boisterous.

Eventually, I decided that my task was done. And by this time, the cleaning process had become quite simple. Jonas proved to be an excellent instructor, imparting a great deal of knowledge to me, particularly in the art of cleaning and carving gourds, which we both found rewarding. Initially, it wasn’t always enjoyable for me, but Jonas demonstrated immense patience. Now that he’s gone, I cherish every moment he shared with me. With a sense of accomplishment, I smiled to myself, pleased with the thorough job I had done in cleaning the gourds. I filled each one with water and grouped them into two clusters, using a branch from a tree to secure them for easier transport.

The contours of my figure transitioned between various positions as I lifted the gourds. The flimsy dress I had on clung to me, showcasing every nuance of my curves. I pressed on, oblivious to my surroundings, while just a short distance away, a set of eager eyes watched my every action with keen interest. Startled, I turned my head and finally noticed him, the stranger who had been secretly watching me all along. His head slightly showed above the water like a hungry crocodile lying in wait, patiently eyeing its unsuspecting prey. His stillness and contemplative expression conveyed an air of calculated observation. Nearby, children played, disturbing the peaceful flow of the water stream, seemingly not acknowledging his presence.

It became evident that he had been there for some time, captivated by the fluidity of my movements and drawn to my graceful figure, or perhaps by something else. His gaze was intense, almost predatory, as though he was analyzing every subtle motion with great interest. The scene unfolded like a ballet dance between the water, the joyful antics of the children, and his steadfast focus, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and curiosity in the midst of nature's tranquility.

Our eyes met and held each other's stare for a fleeting minute. I did not recognize him at all. For a brief moment I felt paralyzed and surprised that someone was staring at me with such intent. At that moment, it dawned on me why he was so captivated by me. I realized I was exposed and quickly covered myself. I diverted my eyes to adjusting my dress as though I were unaware of his presence. Meanwhile, a group of boys began to chuckle, clearly amused by what they had just seen. I grunted at them silently urging them to show some decency, but they continued to laugh disregarding my discomfort.

I cautiously turned my look again in his direction, curious to see if he was still there. This time, I made an effort to avoid locking eyes with him directly. I was taken aback by his impressive physique; not a single ounce of fat could be seen on his body. Despite my intention to steer clear of his eyes, I found myself drawn to his face. A smile broke across his lips when he emerged out of the water, and the liquid streamed down his sculpted body resembling a rugged mountainside. He was not an attractive man. His smile did little to enhance his appearance. He had a flat nose and unusually broad nostrils. It was unfortunate that his facial features didn’t complement his athletic build.

I was able to capture his full attention for different reasons that I initially thought. The fierce intensity of his red eyes made him look angry which in turn made me feel uncomfortable. It was possible that he had been in the water for an extended period, causing him to have a disconcerting look that suggested he might be up to no good. Perplexed by the fact that I had never seen him before. In our tight-knit village, it seemed unlikely for a stranger to appear suddenly. I speculated that he might be from a neighboring village, making this a mere coincidence. I convinced myself that our paths were unlikely to cross again. Yet, the lingering sense of curiosity about this mysterious man caused me concerns. I didn’t notice him approaching me. I was too shaken to respond to him when he asked for my name; so I ignored him.

***********""

A flood of tension rippled through my body, and my jaw clenched with unbearable pain. The searing sensation on my face jolted me back to the harsh reality of the present moment. Confusion and fear consumed my mind, as I desperately searched for answers. The urge to scream was overwhelming, realizing that I was surrounded by tall trees, creating an eerie and oppressive atmosphere. I knew that even if I unleashed my voice, it would be carried away by the wind, forever lost to the oblivion of the forest's embrace.

The man on top of me was not the one I saw at the river. This man had an extended belly that was heavy, pressing me down, altering my ability to breathe. His finger molesting me, probing, as if to confirm my readiness for him. The raspy noises escaping from him, coupled with the odor of alcohol on his breath, left me feeling lightheaded. I sensed something firm pressing against the inside of my thigh. I struggled against him, realizing his power exceeded my expectations.

"Stop, please stop!" I pleaded.

He grew increasingly aggressive as I continued to resist, exerting more pressure on my arm and hindering my vision. He unzipped his pants, attempted to force himself on me. However, my swift and sudden move caught him off guard, blocking his attempt to penetrate me, complicating his ability to manipulate the situation. I tightly crossed my legs, silently pleading for someone to step in.

The ground was unbearable beneath me but that was the least of my problems. I was overwhelmed and extremely emotional. I thought of Aunt Tina and wondered how I was going to explain this to her. Would she even believe me? I thought of my neighbors as well, what might they whisper behind my back. Would they believe I brought this upon myself? I was overwhelmed by a deep, unsettling shame, plagued by the humiliation that loomed ahead. What distressed me further was the possibility that this man might rob me of my purity, fully aware that such a violation would irreparably tarnish my reputation, complicating my chances of marrying well in the future.

I refused to allow him to have the upper hand, and when his grip weakened slightly, I seized the moment to strike his face. Yet, that decision proved to be a serious error. The unexpected blow caught him off guard, igniting his fury. My expression twisted into a painful grimace as I fought to break free. I bit down on his arm, breaking the surface of his skin. The warm liquid that flowed into my mouth unmistakably indicated that I had drawn blood. To my astonishment, he appeared unfazed, his adrenaline surging and his resolve to capture me only intensified.

"Please stop, I am begging you. Please don't do this to me."

My trembling voice pleaded with pain and desperation. I felt trapped and powerless as he forcefully spread my legs open, further adding to the distress and helplessness.

"Oh no God please STOP"

With my eyes shut tight, I sought to escape the terrifying truth that surrounded me. In that moment of darkness, however, a flicker of relief emerged in my mind. The thought of fading into oblivion provided a perverse sense of reassurance that death was the best possible result, as it suggested the possibility of being reunited with my father. I held onto the delicate hope that in that uncharted territory, I might finally find peace and possibly, if luck permitted, encounter my elusive mother, who had always remained a shadowy presence in my life.

A glimmer of hope amidst a bleak existence appeared, an unfamiliar sense of direction emerged, What If I managed to survive this in some way, what kind of future awaited me? My resistance faltered as I realized his strength overwhelmed me entirely. He had infiltrated not just my physical space but also my very being, unleashing a relentless pounding and animalistic sounds that reverberated through the air.

Everything began to transform into a haze, a strange detachment from the world around me. I was no longer anchored to myself, as though I were floating in a dry void, desperately wanting to reach a space where my exhausted soul could finally rest. The pain appeared to diminish, dulled by the all-consuming feeling of powerlessness that surrounded me. My life was slipping away, a cruel twist of fate, leaving me incapable of living the dreams and aspirations Jonas had envisioned for me. Nausea threatened to overpower me, but my body succumbed to a chilling limpness, and the world around me dimmed as consciousness slipped away. The unfairness of it all weighed heavily on my soul as I hung on the edge of consciousness, uncertain if I could ever reclaim control over my own existence.