The knock comes again, more urgent this time.
Watching Ruto stand and walk toward the door fills Juta with that anxious feeling again.
Ruto yanks the door open and blinks in surprise.
The unexpected visitor peers at him wide-eyed, with a hunger-stricken expression.
"Daela?"
Daela looks away from Ruto, her nose twitching as her eyes dart behind his shoulder like a starved wolf.
And she locates the source, causing her eyes to light up with genuine excitement.
"I smelled meat," Daela says with breathless excitement. "It's roasted lamb, isn't it?"
Ruto stares at her, still confused. Of all people, he hadn't expected her to be here. "Shouldn't you be at the bonfire feast?"
"I was but…" Daela gulps, her hand unconsciously moving to her rounded belly. "I tried to ignore it, but then the wind carried the smell of your roasted lamb and I just… I couldn't help it! Imogen wouldn't share hers even though she has…"
