Squatting low, she dug a hole in the ground close to the wall of her hut with her bare hands. A girl sneaked up on her and asked what she was planting.

I love oranges, said the girl, introducing herself as Zahra. I will help you, this hole is not deep enough. We also need to surround the hole with sticks and logs so that people don’t walk over the seeds. We have to look after this, I can’t believe we are doing this already.

Saba gaped at her.

Zahra’s laughter drew Hagos out of the hut.

Am I talking sense?

Saba nodded, her eyes lingering on Zahra’s face.

Ah, this, Zahra said, rubbing the scar on the bridge of her nose. I fell off the camel on the way to this country. We all have wounds, but some are just more visible than others.

Saba uncrossed her legs and pulled up the hem of her dress, settling it around her purple thighs.

Was that a bomb?

No, said Saba.

Those who love you most are also most capable of hurting you, Zahra said.

Saba said nothing. She forced her eyes away from Zahra, towards where the smoke wafted in the distance, towards the eagle that steered its way between thatched roofs, and towards the blue sky.

Saba!

Saba shuddered when Zahra pulled her in for a tight embrace. I am sorry, said Zahra. I didn’t mean to remind you.

Silence.

Thank you, said Saba.

Saba gave her new friend – in her mind, friendship was already exchanged – some of her seeds.

They started planting. This will be a beautiful orange tree, said Zahra.

But it doesn’t mean that just because you are helping me now it’s going to be our tree, said Saba, laughing.

It takes more than twenty years for these seeds to grow into an orange tree, said Zahra. By then I hope none of us will be in this place.

Saba kept digging.

Saba, say amen, said Zahra.

Double amen, said Saba, chuckling.

Zahra had come to the camp with her grandmother. Her mother had stayed back in the trenches, fighting the independence war.

But we will be back home soon, Zahra said to Saba. That’s what my mother promised me.

What is your mother’s name? she asked.

Major Lemlem, said Zahra, her voice rising as if she could no longer hold on to this secret.

Major Lemlem, Saba repeated as she looked at Zahra.

Soon after the two girls began planting the seeds, Samhiya arrived, hair set in red rollers, trailed by boys.

My God, Saba, Samhiya said. Who taught you to swim like a boy? And by the way, everyone in the camp knows your name after last night.

Saba had forgotten about her dive into the dark water. She straightened her back and pointed at Hagos, who was standing by the door. My brother taught me, Saba said. He is the best.

Samhiya craned her head towards Hagos.

Are you sure you are a man? I mean you are so beautiful, that’s what I meant, she stammered, breaking into a giggle.