A sigh could be heard in the small hut as a young girl was packing her baggage. She had to leave by the end of the day, no amount of wailing would change that fact. Some could say that she brought this result upon herself, but she would disagree. To live her life by her morals and standard could not be something wrong. She was convinced of that.

She looked over her shoulder to see the entry of her residence open as a rustling sound could be heard. Both her parents were waiting in the entry, looking at her, she was sure to be able to see a disappointed glint in her mom's eyes. She was surely ashamed of having the only single woman of the tribe as her daughter.

But even now, her dad tried to reassure her. He was always on her side after all.

''You will do just fine Zahra. You are a grown woman, after all, you waited plenty enough.''

Zahra stilled, her face still in a frown. He was on her side, maybe, but she could not agree with that.

''I just don't understand why I must go now. I could wait a few years, no? Gain experience and everything...''

Her father's face softened but her mother simply crossed her arms. The paternal looked at his wife as she indicated to him to leave her and her daughter alone. She would be the one to deal with the wild temper of the young girl.

''You are already 18. If you get any older no proper man will take you for his first wife. Would you like to come second or third?''

The girl roughly shoved more clothes in her bag before angrily answering her mom.

''You don't know that! And going into a town I only went a few times into to snatch myself a husband… isn't that weird? None of the other girls had to do it!''

She could swear she saw the eyes of her mother calm down a little. But that would make no sense. Her mom was blaming her for her lack of a suitor was she not?

But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, the words of her mother brought her back to reality.

''Because none of them waited until all the single men were snatched up! Salim proposed to you, no?! But you had to act difficult and ask him the biggest bride price you could think of! And now he's off with that Yasmine.''

The brown-haired girl pouted.

''He asked me what I wanted, and I simply told him. It wouldn't do me any good to start lying to my future husband would it?''

''Again, you with your bothersome honesty! Sometimes lies are necessary Zahra! Sometimes lies are needed for life to go on softly, they are needed to avoid confrontation. Salim was a perfect match for you- You are only reaping what you sowed. Now finish your baggage''

Zahra looked at her mother as the latter went back outside, biting her tongue. She refused to lie; she saw no purpose to it. Lying was the first step to misconception and manipulation. If she was always upfront with her intention, she believed nothing wrong could happen to her.

But today seemed to be set on making her doubt her vow of honesty. But none the matter, she was going to get to Algos, find herself a good match and then come back. And she wouldn't fool anyone or lie to anyone.

She was used to walking, the travel would only take her a few days. Her tribe was nomadic and always moving, following the grass to feed the sheep and cows. She could ride in the savanna for three days.

Zahra came out of her tent as the village began to wake. Everyone seemed busy, not giving her any attention. It might have been better that way. Her only friends all went to live with their husbands in other territories. For the moment, she didn't have anything tying her to the rest of the tribe. And finding herself a match in town would not help with that.

She gathered her travel supplies, bringing more than enough water, which caused her bag to be much heavier than it would have been otherwise. It wasn't like she was going to have to carry it though. She was also bringing wool and fur to sell and get by for a while after all. Nothing she could carry alone.

She thought of leaving without saying good to her parents, but even while annoyed, she was aware she would come to regret it if she did.

A few hours later, her travel plan figured out and her supplies packed onto a small carriage, she went to her parent's hut for the last time. The walk was quick, everyone was close to each other.

She observed the different members of her clan going about their life. She could see Yasmine heavily pregnant rubbing her stomach while walking toward the river. She avoided her before quickly entering her mom's tent. A pleasant smell was floating around. She was seemingly cooking alone. Her father would probably be out in the field caring for the sheep.

''Mom..''

Zahra called out to her mother, lips tight. She waited for her to look at her to continue.

''I'm leaving…as you asked. But I'm warning you… I might take longer to come back than you assumed.''

Even if she didn't find some handsome lad, there were a lot of opportunities in Algos. She could find a job she'd have to. Zahra wouldn't find someone in a week and was aware she was going to have to get by alone. She knew herself, once settled in, she would not want to get back with everyone.

And her tribe went into town once a year to trade their wool and get some essentials. So, it wasn't as if it would be her first time in the city or the last time she saw her family.

''I see, well, Zahra, as long as you do not come back alone…''

The young girl felt her jaw tightens. Bitter thought in her mind 'As long as she didn't come back alone uh?'

She swallowed back her annoyance; it wasn't the moment.

''I'll say goodbye to dad, and I'll go. Thank you for the carriage and the horse...''

She did not have to give her those. It was an act of generosity; a horse and a carriage would be missed when it was time to move again. Her mother seemed to want to help her daughter, just not in the ways Zahra wished.

She walked to kiss Zahra's cheek before going back to the supper while her daughter mulled over her thoughts.

*I wouldn't be the first girl to move out to live in Algos. I'd find a job. I could sew and cook and I observed my dad trade every year, so I wouldn't be ripped off. I should not worry so much.*

The browned-haired girl went to see her dad, looking at him from afar. She intended to tell her goodbyes to him but somehow could not bring herself to do it. Disappointing her mother was one thing, her father was another.

She frowned before turning back, going toward her carriage. She was aware she would come to regret not saying her goodbyes to him, but she couldn't gather the strength to look him dead in the eyes. He would surely understand would he not?

She would just… explain herself the next time she saw him. That would be good enough would it not?

As she walked away, she heard her name being called loudly. Turning on herself, she saw her dad rushing toward her. In an instant, she was in his arms. The tears gathered in her eyes. Who was she fooling? Not lying should also include not lying to herself.

''Sorry dad... just... I didn't want you to have to…''

Her father shushed her, simply holding her tightly.

''Whatever your mom said, if things get too hard out there, come back to us. I'll talk some sense into her. She wants you to be happy, you know? To have a family and to see the world. Not only one of the two''

Zahra's father looked to the side while letting her go.

''Zahra. Your mother always regretted not being able to live in town. She felt trapped here. Even though we are always moving. She craved more. And I believe she is trying to let you have more. Find someone you truly love. She would not have let you with Salim, I am sure of that. Do not resent her for sending you where she thinks you will find happiness.''

Mom felt trapped. I thought about it for a second. She would always be grumpy once we left town. And she would not participate in the trade, simply running off to visit something. It made some sense now.

''I see that. I will do my best to live fully then.''

Zahra smiled at her dad before kissing him on the cheeks

''I love you, dad.''

Ruffling her hair, he smiled.

''Now go, before it is too late.''