How Dare the Sun Rise

Sandra recalls a day from her childhood that she will never forget: the day her mother went into her bedroom, locked the door, and refused to emerge for a day. Sandra learned that her favorite uncle, Rumenge, had been killed during a regional conflict. Sandra has one photo with her, Rumenge, and Deborah—the only picture she has of either because all her family’s photos were burned in an attack. A family friend found this sole photo years after tragedy struck Sandra’s family again.

In the aftermath of Rumenge’s death, Sandra watched her grief-stricken mother fall into a depression. For several days, Rachel sat with clothes that Rumenge had left at the house. Princesse looked after the family until Rachel recovered. Rumenge also left his sister one hundred dollars, which Rachel refused to spend. A friend of hers got the idea that Rachel should use the money to start a business. She took the advice and began operating a café out of the family home. It allowed her to earn her family income, which Rumenge would have appreciated, and took her mind off of her sadness. Rachel also resumed her hobby of writing songs.

Around the same time, Prudence struggled.