The Sun Dance ceremony was only days away. Kimana spent more time preparing to be married than being with her friends. When she did come to see Angie, she always asked to see the blanket. Angie had finished the blanket some weeks before and it looked just as beautiful as it did when she made it many years ago. The old feeling of comfort had returned whenever she wrapped it around herself. The image of her mother came flooding back to her and she smiled whenever she thought about her family.
Angie was praying by the river, spending some alone time with God. In the middle of her prayer a voice spoke to her. It was Elsu, sitting down beside her.
“I have come to talk with you,” he said.
“What do you wish to talk to me about?” Angie asked him.
“I am almost grown,” Elsu explained. “It is time for me to take a wife. I have chosen you.”
Angie knew this day might come and she started to panic.
“I am too young to marry,” Angie explained.
“You are getting old,” Elsu laughed. “Many girls marry years earlier.”
“I am not ready to marry anyone,” she insisted.
Elsu remained patient. “Next year, at the Sun Dance, we will marry.”
Angie was frustrated and didn’t know how to reason with Elsu. His culture was so different from her own.
“You do not understand,” she began.
“Enough talk!” Elsu held up his hand, “It is settled.” He got to his feet and walked back into the village.
She watched him walk away, stunned, and then looked up at the sky.
Oh God, she prayed, I am afraid. I don’t want to marry Elsu! You are the only one who can help me. I have tried to be faithful to you. I have tried to be good. Please help me! Please!
She then lowered her head and felt a deep depression come over her.