By the time the last basket was finished, the pile beside them looked sturdy and uniform. With wide mouths, reinforced bases and tight weaves that could hold weight without collapsing.
Una inspected them one by one, lifting each basket briefly, pressing the bottoms with her thumbs. When she was satisfied, she nodded once.
She was quite surprised Ningning got it right during her first try and her basket was probably the best one.
But she wouldn't admit that.
"These are good." she said. "We'll use them today."
The women perked up immediately.
"For what?" Meiya asked.
"To catch fish."
That earned excited chatter.
"The river? Is it what I think it is?" Puka asked, already on her feet.
"Yes." Una replied. "The big one."
Ningning blinked. The big one didn't sound promising but before she could ask, the women were already gathering their baskets and setting off.
