Kékéli is the wife of a high dignitary who has been tortured physically and mentally by her husband Olivier for many years. This woman chose to live this voluntary prison because in African society divorce is badly perceived and every divorced woman loses her honor and consideration. She was later separated from her two children and sent to an asylum. In "La Traversée", so tired of these long years of suffering (and weaning of sexual pleasure), she yields to temptation and takes a young lover. The reaction of her husband minister will be ruthless.