“I think it’s time for you and the kids to go the farm. It wouldn’t be safe in here if things get out of hand.” Joseph insisted.
“What about you? We can’t just live you here.” Maxine is very persistent that all of them should go away from Southcrest. They should’ve moved out since the riot began, but Joseph didn’t want to live.
“You know I have an obligation to the people of the town. Rioters might come closer anytime soon, and I couldn’t risk your lives. It’s for the best, Maxine. I know you will be safe on the farm. ”
“How come you can save other people’s lives and forget about yours?” Maxine mischievously cried.
“Honey, that’s what a doctor should do. We have a sworn obligation to the public and to those people who believe in us. Many of them need us now, more than anything. I will follow you there alive, I promise.” Joseph assures his wife.
Maxine surrendered the argument and thought it’s for their kids’ safety, too. She cried knowing that they’ll be away from Joseph to fulfill his responsibilities. She knows that she married a nobleman, but she never thought that they should part ways in the midst of complicated events.
Amidst chaos between the Government and its people, Joseph is doubtful about serving his country or saving his family. Joseph closed his eyes and said a little prayer. He hugged his wife tightly and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Joseph has no idea if it would be for the last time.
CHAPTER TWO
The next morning, Joseph wakes up early to prepare for work. As usual, he showered and got dressed after eating his oatmeal breakfast while Maxine prepares their clothes that they will bring to the farm. They used to live at the farm where Maxine’s family resides until they decided to move to Mississippi for their jobs. Occasionally, they still go there so their kids can see their Grandparents. Joseph feels heavy knowing that his family has to be away from him for a while, but he knows that it’s the best option they have. He trusts her wife’s ability to protect their kids, but he worries that anything dangerous might happen on their way.
He decided to go upstairs to see the two boys and kiss them good-bye. As he opened the door, he’s so mesmerized to see them so peaceful and innocent while asleep that he doesn’t want to wake them up. However, it seems like Bobby heard the sound of swinging door.
“Dad?” Bobby asked while rubbing her eyes.
“Hey, young man. Had a good sleep?” Joseph asked with a huge smile. Bobby nodded with a sweet grin.
“How you are you feeling?” Joseph said in a low voice because he doesn’t want to wake his youngest son.
“I feel good, Dad… Why do we have to go to the farm without you? Don’t you want to come with us?” Bobby can’t stop wondering.
“Daddy has duties at the hospital, and I can’t turn down those injured and wounded people, Bob.” Joseph tries so hard to explain the situation to his son.
“What about us? We need you, too. Mom worries so much. We don’t want to leave you either.” Bobby almost cried and burst into tears.
It breaks Joseph’s heart hearing Bobby say those words and watching him cry.
“Bobby, in life we have choices to make and sacrifices to take. If only I could go there with you, I would. Just because I am choosing my job over you doesn’t mean that I will abandon you. Daddy has to sacrifice to save people’s lives. We have to separate to protect you, your brother and mother.”
Bobby said nothing, but Joseph sees the concerned look in his eyes. He hugged and kissed his forehead.
“Can you do me a favor, please?” Joseph asked without hesitation.
“Will you please watch over your Mom and brother while I am away? It’s what grown-ups do.”
“I will, Dad. Please take care of yourself, too.”
“I promise that I will take care of myself, and keep everything safe. Okay?” Joseph assured his son.
Joseph exactly knows how it feels to be far away from a father. He lost his dad when he was fifteen. His father had been a noble Policeman Officer that was famous for protecting innocent, and less fortunate people. He’s against the corrupts and worked his way so hard to capture every evil official. Until one day at the mall parking, when they were having a day off, a gunman riding a motorcycle fired a shot in the head of Joseph’s father. Joseph found his Dad bleeding on the floor, while his Mom was screaming for help. Joseph felt helpless that he couldn’t save his father’s life.
The incident gave him trauma and started to lose faith in God. He never talked to anyone, and spoke a little to his mom. He became distant for months until his mother was dying of breast cancer. Before his mother passed away, she handed her rosary to young Joseph and reminded him that things happen for a reason. That was the time when he decided to become a doctor when he got into college. Joseph received a full scholarship, joined groups dedicated to helping other people, and he graduated Summa Cum Laude of his batch. However, it wasn’t easy for him to finish his education as Joseph had to work laboriously for each centavo of his money. When he practiced medicine, he recovered his belief and began to understand the bible again.
Joseph and Bobby found themselves with tears in their eyes. They both wipe their tears and smile at each other. Joseph pulls a photo of their family from his White Coat and gives it to Bobby. His son looks at the picture and flips it. Bobby read a Bible verse written on the back:
“A wise man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
Joseph was looking at his son, and he knew that Bobby got his point. He kissed his sons for another time before going downstairs. A lot of things have been going on his mind. The uncertainties, worries, fears, and doubts. However, he knows that he has to focus and pray for his family’s safety. He’s been preparing them for the worst case scenario that might come along their way.
Maxine is almost finished packing, but Joseph wants to talk with her for final instructions for their trip to the farm.
“Are you done packing?” Joseph asked.
“Sort of, just a little more clothes for the boys,” Maxine said.
“Have you checked the car’s condition and charged your phone? Please contact me whenever possible, and update me when you can. Please drive carefully…” Joseph said in a concerned tone.
“Yes, sweetie. Everything’s fine. We need you to be there alive as soon as you can. Please?” Maxine answered even before Joseph can finish his sentence.
“I will. Wait a minute I forget something.” Joseph said in surprise.
Joseph quickly moved upstairs to their bedroom. He went straight to his study table, pulled the drawer and picked the handgun holster. Joseph rushed down, while Maxine was waiting on the dining table. He hands the .380 ACP Automatic Colt Pistol to her.
“What’s that?” Maxine was shocked.
“It’s a gun,” Joseph replied sarcastically.
“I know, but do we have to bring that with us? It’s not safe for the kids, and you know that I am against using those stuff. Besides, I never knew you have that!”
“Yes, but you need it for protection. You know it’s not safe anywhere.”
“But…”
“I don’t want you to use it as well because it only means that you are in danger. But people are vulnerable, and they are now desperate. They can do anything to save their lives and survive. Please let’s not argue on this matter. I also need you safe and sound.” Joseph sounded serious.
Maxine accepted the gun half-heartedly. She knows that it’s a thing that could calm her husband’s conscience. Joseph has to go to the hospital. As much as he wanted to stay, he knows that it isn’t possible. He gives his wife a very tight hug. Tears start to fall on Maxine’s eyes, but Joseph wipes it off with a kiss down to her chick, then their lips meet. Looking at each other, unsure of what the future holds. Uncertain of when they will see each other again. Amidst the pain, they are still hopeful that one-day things will be back to where they are supposed to be.