Now, Denise was touched by his message which depicted his hopelessness. Then, he inquired.
(What do you mean by that? Were you affected by the last bomb?)
(Yes. We are in the government hospital without any doctor in sight.)
(That is too bad. I wish you quick recovery.)
(Thank you, for your concern and wishes.)
(You are welcome. If I may ask, what is your government doing about the patients?)
(Nothing. Absolutely nothing.)
(I see. You will not die until I give you a hug someday.) Such false hope excited his friend. All the same, he responded, (Just wishing. Until that day.)
(It is all right. What is your name?)
(Kennedy. Kenny for short.)
(That is good. See you soon, Kenny.)
After the chat Kenny laughed inwardly, at his promise, and looked at the jingle. He could not see the video and pictures clearly because of his phone screen that cracked during the chaos. Nevertheless, he was able to see that the event would take place in his country and at the National Square.
‘Even in the time of peace, no one goes near the square, how much less during the war,’ he mumbled, and laid back on his bed, which was the only comfort he enjoyed in the hospital.
Nevertheless, Denise was happy to chat with his friend. On the other hand, Kenny was hopeful after chatting with him, but could not tell why. Howbeit, Denise was ready to take a risk, without considering his pregnant wife.
At Denise’s House
He got home very exhausted, and his wife noticed it, and showed concern.
“It is like you are over working yourself, hubby,” Olivia pointed out when she joined him in the car. Now, his worries increased because he had considered how she would feel if she discovered that he would be embarking on a trip to a war country.
“Am I?” he asked at once.
“Yes. I suggest that you take a break.”
“I will do that. By the way, Mr. Abel will be in the country tomorrow.”
“Wow! I hope there is no problem?” She inquired, and searched his eyes for any clue.
“Not at all. It is in connection with the war in Zingcord.”
“I see.”
“He will visit Zingcord on Wednesday.”
Now, he studied his wife’s countenance and waited for her response.
“That is good. I wish his visit would bring a lasting peace to the country.”
“I pray so, too. I may go with him, if it is necessary,” Denise dropped the bombshell nonchalantly with a happy face, and waited for her reaction. Now, his wife was calm. She could not respond to his statement because he did not really say that he would go or not. Nevertheless, Denise was relieved. At least, he had made the first move, and the next move would not be a task.
“How is my girl?” He asked, and distracted her thoughts by rubbing her baby bump. Then, she smiled, and looked at him before she warned, “Don’t be too sure. I pray you will not cry in disappointment when you see a handsome boy like you on the delivery room?”
“No I won’t. I will give him a peck, and ask the doctor to look out for the second baby, who must be a girl,” Denise proclaimed with certainty. Olivia laughed happily before they got off the car. Afterward, Denise spoke, “I would suggest that we stroll around.”
“Wow! That would be nice, but you need to rest.”
“It is okay if that will make you happy.”
Thereafter, Denise gave her attention by reducing his work on his system, Just to prepare her for the trip. Since they got married, that would be the first time they would spend the night without each other, but duty called, and he must answer. Suddenly, Olivia thought aloud, “I wish it won’t be necessary to go with him.”
Then, Denise pretended not to get her, and asked, “What did you say, my Angel?” She smiled softly, and responded, “Nothing.” Nevertheless, Denise was better off with her response, and kept it at that. They had a joyous night, and the next day, Denise worked from home, and monitored Mr. Abel’s trip. When he settled down at the Island, they began their meeting, while Olivia laid on his lap. After the meeting, Denise announced, “My Angel.”
“Yes, hubby.”
“Get ready. We are going to the Native Home. You will be with mom and father until I am back.”
Now, Olivia’s eyes were moist at once. When Denise noticed it, he pulled her to himself and consoled, “My lady, be strong for me and our children. They need a peaceful world.”
“You are right, my knight in shining armor. If Mr. Abel’s wife could release her husband, why can’t I release mine?”
“I am glad that you are seeing it that way. Thank you, my love.”
“It is my pleasure.”
Wednesday in Jalin, Zingcord Capital
Denise took his wife and Tim to the family house, before his father, and some security men took him to the airport, and they were amazed with what they saw. The military had supported his trip with fifty soldiers, which included medical personnel, and drugs. Meanwhile, Mr. Abel, Phil, Jude and Dr. Harper were already at the airport with some drugs. If only Denise and his father were aware of the military support, they would not have not bothered Dr. Harper. Denise needed him because of his friend, who may need some first aid before he would take him along with him. Nevertheless, they got another shocker. The Patriarch, who Arthur informed of the trip, arrived too.
“Good morning, our father,” Denise and his father greeted in unison. The others greeted too, and he responded, “Good morning to you all.” Then, he faced Denise, and assured, “My son, I wish you, and your team a safe trip.”
“Thank you, our father.”
Meanwhile, they got to realize that he was responsible for the support of the additional soldiers and drugs. Nevertheless, Mr. Abel was delighted with the support given to Denise by his country and family, and held him in high esteem. Before they boarded, Abel chatted Dr. Parker up, and inquired, whether it was convenient for him to visit him that day, but he dismissed him with the same excuse—the country is not safe. When Murphy realized that the country would not be safe for him to visit, but would be safe for Denise, he mumbled, ‘Two can play the game.’
After they boarded, Jude was nostalgic about the past. He could not believe that he would visit his country someday in such a dignified manner. After three hours, they were at the Jalin airport. Meanwhile, the airport was peaceful, but void of activities. Likewise, they were able to see the skeleton of burnt aircraft and the burnt offices. Nevertheless, Dr. Parker was amused with the combat aircraft.
“Poor boy. He is scared,” he concluded, when he was informed that a military aircraft arrived at the airport. A few of them were driven to the government house, while some waited at the airport. Denise and Phil hung their knapsacks on their backs, and sat comfortably on the bus. Meanwhile, Murphy and his personal assistant were taking pictures of the roads and the peaceful, but devastated city.
“How are you, driver?” Denise greeted, hoping to be friendly with him.
“I am good, Sir,” he responded bluntly, probably out of fear or devastation.
“I see. How is work?”
“Work is fine.”
“That is good. How is your family?”
At that point, Denise waited for his response, and when he got none, he minded his business.