The night was so cold I could not sleep; fortunately the loving smell of cow manure and the regular breathing of the animals made me doze off.
Today's the first day I am going to hunt. Isn't it exciting? It's Papa's and my secret; we didn't tell Mama or Shameena. They wouldn't let you go, Papa says. In the morning I went to gather wood and again the bullies poured their urine over my head. I was so relieved; today wasn't that much. I told Mama about it and she shook her head and wiped me clean. I thought I was lucky today; why did she shake her head? I want to know.
I sneaked past Shameena and I went into the forest to hunt. I wanted to go with the other hunters, they look so big and strong. But Papa pulled me back and told me never to talk to them or their children again. I was confused; why can't I? I want to know.
I saw a deer and shot it and it fell! I let out a whoop and ran to it, and I saw hunters already there. They were picking up MY deer, slung it over their shoulders and just walked off! I rushed at their backs, but Papa pulled me back. I am so angry with Papa now. He is so much bigger than them; why didn't he get back my deer? We searched for another catch, but I guess today we have to eat grass again.
We went home and turns out Shameena was crying too. She tried making friends with the other girls at the well, but they ignored her. She tried to help them to draw water, but when she touched the jars, all the girls screamed and their mothers ran out. They used whips to drive my sister back to 'where she belongs'. (I don't know what they mean. We are all living in the same village.)
I was so angry. Shameena felt so much pain she cried the whole day. I want to cry too. My beautiful deer.
