The men didn't say a word; after all, they knew who I was, and I knew who they were, even though we had never had a proper conversation.

I walked into the pack behind them, the narrow bush track that leads to the village. I clenched my fist as I stayed alert, not wanting to be caught unaware. Four months ago, I would have cowered inward, and I would never have taken this bold move to return to this land.

The last time I was here, I was forced to carry someone else's identity; I was compelled ...