Chapter 2: Plant response to elevated CO2 - DRUM - University of ...

The jungle abruptly gave way and Megha readjusted her vision as she
came upon a settlement. A dusty fence made of twigs and branches surrounded
the nés. It wasn’t much more than a few huts and a small enclosure for cattle.
Cooking fires lit up some of the huts, so they glowed amber and wispy ribbons
of smoke escaped from the roof made of dry palm leaves. Sensing the arrival of a
stranger, the cattle shifted edgily and lowed. She could make out some shapes of
children sitting in a circle; some of them turned back to look at her. One of them
ran inside a hut, a hut just like the others in the nés except with beautiful
peacocks drawn on the walls near the low door. Bending down and stepping out
a girl, or a woman — Megha wasn’t sure in the fading twilight —dressed in a
dark long skirt and a colorful blouse emerged. For a minute she seemed
petrified, then she approached her. The little boy followed her, walking a few
steps behind, staring at Megha openly. Megha watched a slow smile summoned
to her eyes.
She patted some cows on the way, they quieted down, consoled. Megha
stood at the edge of the nés, her hands shiftily playing with the belt of her purse.
The girl walked across, her necklaces and ivory bangles jangling. She opened the
make‐shift gate. By the time she reached Megha her smile had broadened.
“Where do you want to go?” she asked with a direct, clear gaze.
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