The faces of the elderly people in camp had a drawn and fixed look and their legs, no longer resembling legs, were grotesquely edematous.
The men, with their larger frames, appeared weaker and more emaciated, and many of them lacked the cheerful optimism that the women displayed. Some of the younger women, despite their scrawny bodies, kept up appearances and a show of courage that was a boost to the morale of many. Perhaps in a small way, the fact that many of us still used lipstick and wore hibiscus flowers in our hair kindled the faith of those who had given up hope that help would arrive in time.