It’s clear he’s found something he wants. Once I’m fully covered, I look down at my transformed body, the vivid yellow stark against the deep greens and browns of the forest. Naira gestures for me to stand, and I do, the weight on my shoulders surprisingly comfortable. He removes my harness and basket so I’m now naked and kneeling in front of him. I catch on to what he’s saying, or rather, showing me: the leeches don’t like this soil. I’m walked towards the fire, then he stops me and gets me to kneel down. It’s as if we’re one creature, moving through the forest with a shared purpose. He signals me to stop, and I stand and wait again. I oblige and kneel down, feeling the warmth of his touch as he carefully places the harness over my head. Naira’s hand guides my head upwards, so I’m looking up towards Naira and the bamboo is pointing straight up.
