The compound was as gray as the evening sky before darkness breaches and we, my cousins and I, were outside the house playing football. Jite was at the goal post that was made by the stones at either ends of the cement wall that surrounded our compound. I had the ball between my feet. As Tanomare made his way to me, I moved the ball from foot to foot. Cutting past him I took a shot at the goal and fell. 

     “Onome. Jite. Tanomare. Time to come inside,” One of my other cousins called.

     As I walked by her, through the glass doors, she noticed a spot of red on my blue skirt with the shorts inside. She pulled me aside.

     “Let’s go see Mama” she said pulling me towards Aunty’s and Uncle’s door. 

     This is when you are supposed to prepare yourself. A woman stays up late and wakes up early. You sweep, you dust, and you cook. It is your responsibility to uphold the family honor. Don’t let any boy deceive you. You are a woman now. Protect your value. A woman who is found to be compromised on her wedding night has shamed herself and her parents.” was the advice they gave me the day I started my Áfe.

     We will celebrate you tonight. They killed the chicken and made rice for the family to enjoy. 

     I was only ten when it started. But I had lost my value already. 

          -Eta Oyarijivbie