Chapter 16

I resumed my work as a doctor. Three years later, the situation in the Nyara Republic had deteriorated beyond imagination. Armed groups controlled an unprecedented expanse of territory. Food shortages, cholera outbreaks, sexual violence, and kidnappings perpetuated a cycle of suffering. This land seemed truly forsaken. Each day, witnessing this hellish reality, I questioned whether Doctors Without Borders was extending hope or merely prolonging suffering.

Months later, Adam informed me he had located five children from that group, including Ray and Mary. They had escaped successfully and now lived with relatives in Kisangani. This news was a breath of fresh air. I rushed to see them.

As soon as my car arrived at the meeting point, Mary ran to me and threw herself into my arms, her eyes brimming with tears. "Zoey!! You finally came!" She had grown tall, blossoming into a young woman. Looking anxiously at the car, she asked, "Where's Doctor Joseph? Why didn't he come?"

I hesitated. "He's too busy."

Mary's fingers tightened. "...Has something happened to him?" Children who have witnessed death are particularly sensitive to vague answers.

I shook my head reassuringly. "No, he's fine. Let me show you." I scrolled through my phone but found no pictures of Joseph. I had stored them all on my computer at home, unable to bear looking at them. Finally, I found a photo of Jackson in his white coat, reading medical records under a warm lamplight. The resemblance to Joseph was striking. Her face lit up when she saw it. She jumped with joy, pulling her brother over. "I want to be a doctor too!"

The other children joined in: "Me too!" "I want to heal people!"

I gently patted their heads and turned to the quiet boy. "What about you, Ray? What do you want to do?"

Ray glanced at my camera shyly. "...I want to be a journalist."

I was stunned. "I want to show the world those who are suffering," he explained. "If people can see them, maybe someone will help…"

Fighting back tears, I gathered them all in my arms. If Joseph were here, he would be so proud. Before leaving, I gave Ray my compact camera and left Joseph's stethoscope and books with Mary and the others. Their faces glowed with excitement.

These children, despite their hardship, still reached for a bright future. Just as Joseph had said, "Where there's hope, there's a future."

Months passed. My search for Joseph's body proved fruitless. I visited the forest countless times, but the darkness of that night had disoriented me. Eventually, I had to accept defeat.

I began documenting Joseph's story on Instagram, going through old photos. Many details had grown hazy after three years. Initially, I feared I might forget more, but unexpectedly, the posts went viral. Comments flooded in from people wanting to know more. Former patients recognized him. "Doctor Joseph was amazing. When my mother became confused during her illness, he never lost patience." "He performed magic tricks for my daughter. The director scolded him for playing cards!"

Chapter 17

Then Jackson video-called me. He sent screenshots of my Instagram. "Is this you?"

"Yes," I answered honestly.

He looked stunned, his expression bitter. "So you meant my brother…"

"Yes."

"I should have known… should have realized! No wonder you looked at me that way! I thought you actually loved me!"

He lowered his head. "Is he… okay?"