They say it reached sixteen marks seven days early. Everyone's smiling, calling it a good harvest. I counted first how many days that number just took from me.

• NakhtiSix days and half a day, to be precise. Discard that half day and the number will take it personally.
  NeferuHold onto that half day for me. I'll come collect it someday.
• HapirOpen two of the sluice gates late, and I can hold the garden's water a little longer.
  NeferuHold it, then. But say nothing at the gauge reading.
• AdishaOnce the water recedes, I'll be singing in the courtyard again. I'll miss the shorter nights too.