Sure enough, later in the day, Maria and a couple of the tribe's women appeared at her door. Their voices floated in first—light, playful, dripping with laughter.
"Ms. Kaya," Maria sing-songed with a giggle, "can we come in?"
Kaya stiffened instantly. No! No, no, no! she screamed internally. But before she could even form the word no, the women had already stepped inside, their smiles wide and their eyes twinkling like they carried a basketful of secrets.
Kaya forced a smile that felt more like a grimace.
Maria tilted her head, her grin wicked. "Kaya… you look tired."
Kaya's eyes twitched. Tired?
She straightened her spine, glaring in protest. "How am I tired? I don't think so."
Kaya tilted her head in confusion, not quite grasping what they meant.
Maria and the others exchanged sly smiles, then Maria leaned in, patting Kaya's shoulder with mock sympathy.
"See? I told you, Miss Kaya is too strong," she said, her voice dripping with mischief.
