Duzi is at home preparing the late-afternoon meal. He instructs Ahma to get her younger brother Akki from the field and get washed up.
Prior to the meal Duzi sets aside a generous portion in a bowl and places it on the family shrine. “For our Lord Marduk, in appreciation of his good graces, we are eternally grateful,” the father breathes, his head bowed.
As they dine, the father says, “Akki, our fields are running dry. Tomorrow, you must fetch more water from the Euphrates, lest we lose our crops and also your sister to the market.”
“Promise me you will never do such a thing, Father,” retorts Ahma. “I wish not be sold to a dirty stranger!” bursts the worried daughter.
“Then you best pray that your brother comes through and the crops yield,” sternly replies her father.
Early the next morning just before sunrise, Akki treks towards the Euphrates carrying two empty wooden water drums attached to a long branch over his shoulders.
Upon nearing the banks of the river, he sees a figure who appears to be bathing at its shore.
Unsure, he sets down his drums and creeps closer, hiding behind a date palm for a better look.
His eyes focus on a young female figure who appears to be bathing completely nude, unsuspecting of any onlookers.
Shala is cleaning herself in what she presumes is a safe and secluded spot.
Becoming increasingly curious and excited, Akki notices the shape and alluring contours of her naked body. He had never seen a mature female in the nude before.
Shala, unaware of the distant admirer, plunges her head underwater before resurfacing, tilting her head, and twisting the water out of her long black hair with her hands.
With the water waist high, she slowly forwards out towards the shore while Akki looks on in amazement.
He notices her privates emerge above the water, as her long slender legs make their way out the river.
Shala picks up her towel to dry herself off before slipping into her short woolen tunic while Akki’s mouth becomes increasingly parched.
The young man had never seen such a beautiful creature in all his fourteen years.
Shala then sets off, undoubtedly to return to her home.
Akki takes a moment to etch what he had just witnessed in his mind, never to forget it.
A few minutes later, Akki fills his drums from the plentiful Euphrates and heads back home upon a vivacious spring in his step.
Thrice Akki returned during the day to fetch more water but, disappointingly, never got a chance to see his maiden again.
She is all he can think about.
Later that afternoon, Duzi, Ahma, and Akki are once again at the table for their meal.
“You did well today my son,” praises the father.
“I wish not my sister be sold, Father, and I will do everything I can for a plentiful harvest,” added Akki.
“Regrettably, I heard today that Shala’s father has already committed her to the market since they can no longer afford to eat,” explains Duzi.
“She will be sold to a stranger and I cannot bear the thought of what will come of it,” adds the concerned daughter.
“Her father has asked me if you can assist in the preparations.” Duzi further conveys to Ahma, “you can use your late mothers’ makeup and finest garment to help in the endeavor. We don’t have any money to help them, so we do what we can,” he concludes.
After the meal while Ahma is going through her mother’s belongings, Akki asks her about Shala. “I saw a girl this morning bathing in the Euphrates, was that Shala?” inquires Akki to his sister.
“It must have been,” replied Ahma, adding “she was likely starting to prepare for her dreadful plight.”
“But I love her. How can she be taken away like that?” says Akki to his sister who is dumbfounded at his bold assertion.
“How can you be in love, brother, you are only a child,” says Ahma. “I am not a child. I’m a man and could care for her like no other,” replies Akki.
“Well brother, unless you have silver or gold to bid on her, I’m afraid you are out of luck,” coldly quips the sister.
“Surely, there must be something we can do Ahma,” pleads Akki.
“I think not,” she says, continuing, “I only hope I will not suffer such a bitter fate.”