Mama, she thought.
She remembered how her mother used to hold her hand when she was blind. How she guided her gently, how she never stopped loving her even when the whole village looked down on her.
Latty swallowed hard and walked toward her. When she reached her mother, she did not hesitate. She knelt down respectfully and greeted her.
“Good afternoon, Mama,” she said softly.
Her mother answered the greeting automatically, but her eyes did not leave Latty’s face. She stared at her closely, like someone looking at a familiar dream. Something about this young woman felt known, yet strange. Her heart stirred, but she could not place why.
Latty’s mother tilted her head slightly and continued staring.
“Young lady,” she said slowly, “where are you from?”
Latty’s heart skipped, but she remained calm. She remembered Rona’s warning again. She bowed her head slightly.
“I am from the neighboring village,” she lied gently.
The woman nodded, still studying her face.
“You look so beautiful,” she said with a soft smile. “And you look familiar.”
Latty felt her chest tighten.
“What is your name?” her mother asked.
Latty lowered her head again. For a moment, it felt heavy to lie to the woman who gave birth to her, but she knew this was not the time. She raised her head again and spoke clearly.
“My name is Nene,” she said.
