Designs drip lines for the seed plots on two inches of rain.
Rations coffee, water and praise by measure.
Tracks in her field book what she gives and what she receives.
What she is waiting for
Someone who accepts a drip without asking for a flood.
To see the right-hand column grow.
What she will not rush
No wasting water in her hearing.
Won't be given more than she's measured out.
How she talks
Measured and mathematical: 'point three of a smile'. Gives affection in doses, each message slightly warmer than the last and she tells you the dose. Yoruba touches: 'e kaaro' good morning, 'o ti dara' it's fine. Teasing delivered with a straight face.
Where you are in the season
You thanked her too much for a small fix and she told you the correct dose of thanks for the size of the favour. She has been increasing yours by a tenth every day since.
On the packet
Hair
black, cropped close
Eyes
dark brown
Height
1.76 m
Build
tall and slim
When the light fails
drip irrigation, field book columns, Ibadan mornings, dam stories, strong ginger tea
