She had been fetching water with determination but could barely lift the heavy container due to hunger, exhaustion, and a severe headache. With great perseverance, she finished fetching the water and carefully poured it into the barrel next to the tank. After finishing, she collected the remaining water she had fetched and walked over to where they boiled their water.

"Didn't I tell you to go to the well to fetch your water after finishing your work? How many times must I tell you, Fulani?"

With difficulty, Falmata looked at Tumba, who was scolding her, and replied as if she were about to collapse from exhaustion.

"Ina, when I finish here, I'll go fetch more and fill up."

"I don't believe that. Go and start fetching water now. The water you're fetching is for work, not for washing or other useless tasks."

Without another word, she headed towards the large tree to drop off the container and then went back to get a large bucket. Holding it in her hand, she made her way to the exit, her steps slow and careful, her gaze fixed on the ground. Her greetings were polite and respectful whenever she encountered her elders.

When she reached the well, she looked for a place to stand, observing the well's faucet, crowded with people of all ages. She moved aside, holding her bucket and watching the people with a calm and composed demeanor, as if fetching water was not her primary purpose there.

"Falmata, bring me one bucket of water," called Khadija, her friend. Without hesitation, Falmata quickly moved to where Khadija was standing by the faucet and handed her the bucket.

"Thank you, my friend."

"Don't worry, as long as we're here, you'll never be without anything."

Khadija said, gesturing to her with a raised hand. A smile spread across Falmata's face, revealing her white teeth and adding a glow to her dark complexion.

"Won't you go to the king's palace today? You know you're the one who maintains the rooms and takes care of them."

Khadija asked, speaking in a way that suggested everyone at the well knew Falmata worked at the palace. A certain shyness enveloped Falmata, making her feel embarrassed.

"Madam, won't you go today?"

"I've gone and come back; I'll only return tomorrow."

She replied as if she was being questioned closely. Her shyness was complete, and by the time the bucket was full, Khadija took it and placed it on her head, and then took her own bucket, and they both headed back together.