Noelle and the rest of the team finally arrived at the Igo Tribe. Groceries and medical equipment were being unloaded as they were welcomed by the joyful dances of the tribe. This was a tradition—whenever visitors arrived, the Igo people greeted them with a celebratory dance.
Noelle looked around and instantly fell in love with the place. Hidden deep within the ancient forest was the most beautiful place she had ever seen. This was the home of the Igoro, the people who lived in the Igo Tribe.
Towering emerald trees bent toward the silver waterfall. The forest was lush with plants, and the trees were massive, providing excellent cover for the Igoro homes. Mist from the falls constantly drifted through the air, giving the forest a soft, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Moss-covered stones surrounded the area, and their homes were built high among the trees. The tree houses were beautifully designed and clearly sturdy. One of these houses would serve as Noelle's lodging during their stay. The women and men stayed in separate quarters.
The tribe believed that the waterfall was home to a living spirit that protected the land. Because of this, they guarded and worshipped the falls with deep reverence.
Not that she was judging—it was simply a belief very different from what was taught in civilized education.
Their clothing was made from woven fabric, leaves, and animal skin. They showed a bit of skin, but there was no malice or indecency in it; for them, it was completely natural.
"This is actually so much fun!" Mel said laughing as she joined the Igoro in their dance. A few of her companions also joined in the traditional dance.
Meanwhile, Noelle simply clapped along, smiling.
"It's nice seeing you laugh, Doc," said Doc Snapp, who stood beside her.
She looked at him and smiled.
"Their welcome is heartwarming, Doc. It feels good knowing we're being genuinely welcomed by the natives," Noelle said as she continued clapping and following the rhythm of the instruments.
"You're such a workaholic, Doc Noelle. I thought you didn't know how to enjoy yourself anymore."
"Crazy! I've just been busy, okay? My patients suddenly increased, so my social life disappeared."
"Still no boyfriend to keep you busy?"
"None—and I don't have the time."
"Then let's date."
Noelle suddenly turned toward him, her eyes widening at the male doctor.
"No way! You're a womanizer," she said bluntly, making Snapp laugh.
"Women just like me, Doc. I'm actually kind," he said jokingly.
"Oh please! So all the women we see in your car are just receiving kindness?" Noelle replied with a smirk.
She—and everyone else—knew that Doc Snapp often had side activities inside his car with his so-called girlfriends. She had seen his car shaking more than once, so she knew exactly how he "relieved stress."
"We're just praying inside the car, Doc," he joked, his ears turning red.
So he did know how to be embarrassed.
"Some prayer—with kneeling included," she teased.
The two continued teasing each other. Noelle considered Snapp a friend at Campwood Hospital, but as a boyfriend? Definitely not. They often ate lunch together, but since she had been on night shift for two weeks, they barely had time to talk.
After the cheerful welcome, the women were escorted to the huts where they would stay. They went inside, and the interior was surprisingly nice. There was no bathroom inside the hut; it was located outside, not too far from the tribe. So if you needed to pee, do number two, or take a bath, you had to step outside the compound.
Noelle rested in the hut, and around noon they were called for lunch. For the entire day, they would simply tour the area and mingle with the Igoro to understand their way of life and how their tribe functioned.
Tomorrow, they would begin their mission.
For now, Noelle would simply enjoy the place and its culture.