Chapter twenty-two

Two years later......

Time!

Time!

Time!

Slipping by as if it were only dust,

As slow as a snail,

It continually makes and unmakes,

Brings together as well as separates,

Brings together as well as apart,

Takes away as well as gives,

Rewards as well as punish,

But never brings back things and beings gone forever.

Ndeye knew something of this, as she sat at her favorite solid branch of the baobab tree growing in the middle of the courtyard, her mind swimming in the waves of memories of the past, contemplating the beautiful spectacle of the sunset unfolding before her eyes. She didn't feel anyone climbing the tree to get behind it and only knew about this intrusive presence in her haven of peace when the person in question shouted at her:

_ HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!