![]() "Of course, of course," she said, smiling up at me from beneath her blue sequined headscarf. "You're sure it is all right if I come along? You know, I have never seen a birth." As she was one of the few people in the village who spoke French, I constantly peppered her with questions. At twenty-four, she was only two years my senior, but I was in awe of her knowledge and ability. She was not only the village's midwife and sole health care worker, but she was also my assigned host. In fact, since coming to Nampossela a month before, I was almost always with Monique. ![]() But the layout of the village remained a mystery, and unless I was accompanied, I tended to run into dead ends or wander in endless circles. ![]() I knew the general direction to the birthing house on the outskirts of town. It was a struggle to keep my footing on the rough path through the maze of huts that made up the village of Nampossela. "How old is she?" I said, jogging a couple of steps to stay next to her. ![]() You will see there will be no rest for your Monique tonight." "I have been with her at the birthing house most of the day." "Since early this morning." Monique's flashlight traced a yellow stain on the dark earth. "How long has the woman been in labor?" I asked. ![]()
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