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Unflagging Faith

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To Admin without whom this Story wouldnever have seen the light and to all the

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Complications

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Faith. Faith was completelydifferent from her siblings. She was the most beautiful; her small face was occupied by

two large shiny brown eyes full of hope and her rosy cheeks showed the delicacy and

the softness of her features.

Faith was perfect, or almost. She had a psychological defect that made her afraid of

happiness! Faith was afraid to put a smile on the face of her life, but rather dedicated

it to make the others happy, preventing that same gaiety to get inside her little warm

heart and kept it lingering in the doorway; till the day she took her decision. She was

readingChanges, that was the name of the novel she admired most. She stopped at a

passage and started reading it loudly: ' But he had left his mark on her, a mark that haddulled, but never quite been erased over the years. A mark of caution, if not pain, a

fear of getting too close, of believing too much, of...'. Faith heard someone knocking on

the door, quickly she wiped her tears and uttered softly 'who?' No one answered her,

probably the one who knocked couldn't hear her, so there was another knock. She got

up out of her bed looking gaunt and weak, and tried to open the door. There stood her

mother trembling with fear. She embraced Faith tenderly and whispered something in

her ear. That was the day she decided to change her life, to forget all the nauseous

memories, and all the feelings of pain and sorrow.

From that day, you could see Faith always smiling, always dreaming. Nevertheless,she felt something missing, she could not figure out what was it. Whenever she had a

thought about that thing she was telling herself: it is my fancy weaving a shadow of

the unknown and nothing more. Faith didn't know that she was about to witness what

would change her life forever.It was on Sunday afternoon when Hope decided at last to talk it over with her little

daughter. She knew that it will reveal Faiths wounds only to let her know that her

fatherfive years away from his family, wishing to see his Faith decided to visit them

again.

Hope did not know that Faith wanted to see her father too; she was always missing

him in spite of all what happened. Whenever she tried to forget, shattered memories

of his picture crossed her eyes leaving her shivering. Little Faith as beautiful as a flower

was afraid of happiness. How can it warm her little heart and her back covered with

scars reminded her constantly of her ruthless father! He had left his mark on her, a

mark of pain, yet she had decided to forget all the terrible moments she passed

through, and all the sleepless nights she tried desperately to conceal her agony from

her poor mother.

Faith was always dreaming to meet her daddy again, to throw herself into his arms

without being afraid, to be his friend, to let him know if some nasty boys from the

neighbourhood bothered her. Those were Faith's innocent dreams; however, she was-1-


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afraid that this day might not come.

Hope entered Faith's room, her sweet daughter was lying on the bed and thinking

about how to meet her father. Hope sat down next to Faith when suddenly a little

voice called her. She turned to find her youngest daughter, Mary, coming after her.

She did not know what was wrong with Mary but she felt that something was not

okay. The little child told her mother that she had a phone call from the hospital, it

was about her husband. Hope couldn't believe what she heard. Could that be true? she

thought, after all those years of waiting; had something happened to her husband; if

yes, what will happen to her little flowers?

With trembling steps, Hope got to the phone and picked it up to hear a familiar

voice.

"Hello Hope, how are you and how are the kids?". Hope, trembling, kept the phone

closed to her ear listening to every word the man said. Her daughters stood by her sidetrying to know what was going on, but unfortunately, they couldn't catch any word.

With tears in her eyes, Hope put down the phone and turned to her daughters. She

said the most shocking news which they had ever heard, "oh dears! I think we have to

leave this house and sell it." Faith couldn't believe what she heard; her home! a house

full of memories, the house where she took her first steps, said her first words and

made her first dishes!

"What mother!?" Faith said surprised, "why? how can we leave this house, our

sweet nest like you've always called it. How can we leave this neighbourhood where I

made my first friends? Oh mother! tell me that we won't leave this house! And whatabout dad! What if he came and didn't find us, what would he think?!". Hope

interrupted her with a soft voice, "my sweet daughter, it is because of your father that

we have to sell our house."

"But mum...," said Faith, "I don't understand, why all this is happening to us!". Hope

started to explain that her husband had to undergo a serious surgery because he had a

stroke earlier that morning, but the problem was that he couldn't afford it so he asked

his wife to get the money for him.

Faith looked at her mother and said, "fine mum, we should sell the house; my father

needs us now!. Faith would never understand why her mother is trying to help the

same man who left them alone when they needed him most. But that book she was

reading had an immense influence on her and taught her two notions; love and

forgiveness. Faith knew exactly what it meant to forgive the beloved ones; although

it's not easy as it seemed. All what Faith was thinking about was where they were

going to live after selling their house; are they going to be homeless? The same ideas

were turning in her mother's head. Their destiny seemed very clear now; they would

be homeless.

While the family was sitting in the living room trying to find a solution to solve the-2-


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current problem, Faith jumped off her seat and said merrily: "I got it!".

"What my dear? What did you get?" Hope, confused, said.

"I know what we should do; I got the solution," Faith replied.

"Don't bother yourself too much, dear. Let me think about this problem and you

should take care of your studies."

"Mum! Uncle Joe would be delighted to help us," Faith's eyes shone with

excitement.

Joe was a very rich man; he lived with his wife "Sandra" in a very large house in the

countryside. Their house was too big for just two persons and they had no children.

"I thought about that possibility, but I don't think it's an option, Faith," commented

Hope on her daughter's suggestion.

"Why Mum, why not?"

Hope looked at her anxious daughter and said: "Joe will be very delighted to help us

but the problem is not in him; the problem is with his wife, Sandra."

"What's wrong with her mum?" Faith replied."I don't know what is exactly going on with her, dear, but I feel that she dislikes us

somehow!.

"But why is that mother? Why do you think so?" demanded Faith.

Faith did not know what her mother meant so she kept looking at her wondering

about she was thinking. Hope neared from her desperate girl and said: "Look Faith,

you are too little to understand such things."

"But just try me mum, I have grown up in the past couple of years more than you

have noticed, trust me mum."

"Well she is she is..., " Hope finally said.

" What mum... she is what?" asked Faith."She is a bad person!" Hope didn't say anything further since her daughter wasn't

mature enough to understand.

Desperation found its way through the hearts of Mary, Faith and Hope as well.

Everything seemed so dark and silence captured the whole house until it was

disturbed by a sudden knock. Mary ran quickly to the door and as soon as she opened

it, her facial expressions changed completely from sadness to extreme happiness. Why

wouldn't she be happy if the knocker was her uncle, Joe, standing on the door step

holding a bouquet of flowers in his hands. She embraced him and started crying;

the presence of her dear uncle lightened up the whole house and made it bearable.

With a voice of relief, Hope said, "oh brother! You can't imagine how happy I am to

see you". She asked her brother to enter and to make himself at home. Joe handled

her flowers and, without a single word, continued his way towards the living room.

Faith, very happy to see her uncle, went to him to embrace him and kiss him. Hope

felt that there was something wrong with her brother so that she immediately asked

him: "What is wrong, Joe? You seem upset!.

Joe did not want to make it harder than it already was, so he said, "nothing, Hope,

don't worry about me."

" But where iswhere is she? Didnt she come with you?" Hope asked him.-3-


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"Well!" replied Joe without adding a word, the thing which confirmed Hope's

doubts; something went wrong for sure. She repeated her questions willing to know

what went wrong with her dear brother, "well what?"

With a sorrowful voice, Joe said, "We've had a row yesterday, me and Sandra, and I

told her to go to her parents' home!"

While they were talking, Hope and Joe, heard a sharp crunching noise as the door

closed. What's this sound? thought Hope frightened. It was Faith who closed the door

behind, she left the house, but gone where?!

Faith rushed to the hospital where her father lay injured. Something inside her, a

nagging pain, told her that there was something going wrong with him. She reassured

herself that it was but her imagination painting horrific doubts, but she could still feel

it.

-4-


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Thrill

On her way to the hospital, Faith breathlessly attempted to reflect on her nextstep. Her inner inquiries were almost heard by the people passing by. What would she

say when she will meet him? Sorry? Yes she could be sorry, or regretful, yes

regretful It was regret that smashed her heart.

Faith could hear her heart pounding strongly. The transient feeling of doubt swept

away letting fear to disseminate all over her spirit. Faith was afraid; she was sinking

like a melted slush. She started shivering and muttering unclear disjointed words.

Sorrysorry for everythingShe then fell into a deep silence, a frightening quietude.

What woke her was a motherly touch on her shoulder, a tender hand of a person she

recognized but was afraid and shocked to utter her name. Long ago Hope and Sandra

were like enemies. But what had changed, Sandra now looks passionate and loving,

thought Faith. She broke into tears and pain was overt upon her wrinkled beautiful

face.

Faith attempted to talk but Sandra interrupted her and took her little purse and

placed some dollars in Faith's hand. Faith refused to take it but Sandra insisted and said

softly, " go my sweet girl, give it to the doctor. Your father needs this money, so please

forget what happened. Please forgive me, forgive your desperate aunt, Sandra."

Forgiveness is what Sandra had longed for; she was ready to express her sincere and

deep apologies to Joe. She behaved awkwardly; she acted stupidly. Would he accepther apologies, would Joe forget her villainous deeds?.

"He has the right, he has the right to accuse my childish deeds," Sandra cried.

Still in a state of astonishment, Faith carried her way towards the hospital. With

some dollars in her hands, her only concern was to meet her father. She was anxious

-4-

and eager to see him, yet afraid at the same time. She had hope in her heart, but it was

combined with a little hesitation. It was a quite long journey in spite of the small

distance between the house and the hospital. Why wouldn't it be a journey when all

those feelings, captured in the poor child's heart, made it look like a trip; an inner tripas to speak.

Faith's finally arrived to her destination. At the entrance, she saw a big sign in which

these words were written: THE SACRED PLACE. The Sacred Placewas the hospital's

name. This title had a positive impact on the little girl's broken spirit. She, somehow,

felt relieved soon after she read the sign. She broke her way through the door and

witnessed a sight that was ingrained in her fragile memory. Everybody was in a rush;

doctors running from a room to another holding medical objects in their hands; objects

which couldn't be defined by Faith since she was a very young girl who knew nothing

-5-


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about hospitals. As she continued her path through, she saw patients lying down on

their ill-prepared beds. Nurses had no time to prepare beds since there was too much

work to be done around the hospital. Patients were often surrounded by a bench of

people looking as sad as the patients themselves. Outside in the hall, there were many

people sitting; they looked like they were waiting for something; happy news maybe.

Some children were playing games not paying attention to the horrifying sights around

them. Nothing had delayed Faith's plans for meeting her father; she persuaded her way

forwards but where? She didn't know where to go or in which room her father was.

Faith was lost again, she did not know what to do or where to go. All those people

who were running and yelling and even sometimes screaming from pain made her

scared. Suddenly, her ears captured a voice which she knew that it was addressing her.

She heard a very sweet and lovely voice saying: "Faith! Is that you?", so she turned

back to see her neighbour Adrian staring at her.

Faith couldn't believe her eyes; she had not seen him for a long time. In fact she wassurprised to see him again. People thought that would never Adrian come back again

from the country where he went to study; they even heard rumors that he got married

there. Adrian noticed Faith's astonishment so he grinned, "what's up, Faith? Surprised

to see me or what? Come on Faith, I'm not a ghost!"

Faith held her breath and said, "Adrian, dad is sick! They said he needs an urgent

surgery, I want to see him but I don't know where I can find him."

"But I know, Faith."

Adrian was a doctor at the Sacred Placehospital. The years he spent abroad were for

a sole reason, to study medicine. It was his parents' dream to see him a great doctor.They let him expatriate although they knew perfectly the perils and the challenges of

expatriation.

"Come with me, Faith, I'll take you to your father," added Adrian and Faith nodded

quickly.

Adrian and Faith walked towards the lift, they entered and Adrian pressed seven.

"Do you work here, Adrian? I mean you know the place, and you are not with your

casual clothes," Faith asked him with sadness apparent in her tone.

"Yes I do, I'm a surgical doctor". Adrian did not add more, his mind was totally

engaged with the patient who died on that morning. "What if... what if he is Faiths

father? Oh God! thought Adrian.

Adrian glanced at his watch, it was almost noon; time for lunch and Adrian thought

to take Faith to the doctors cafeteria for a sandwich. Meantime, he could phone the

nurse and ask her about the name of the dead patient.

"Faith, please wait here, I need to make a call!". After few minutes Adrian returned

to the cafeteria, he had been told that the patient who died was a woman, but Faith's

father was in desperate conditions. He had lost a lot of blood and he was in need of a

blood donor as quickly as possible.

When she saw Adrian coming, Faith stepped forward and asked him about her

father, "you're hiding something, is there anything wrong? Take me to see him, Adrian,-6-


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please!"

"Your father is okay; he needs a surgery to save his broken leg. You can wait here;

I'll be busy for a little while doing the surgery."

Faith refused to wait in the cafeteria, so Adrian agreed to let her wait outside the

operation room.

While waiting, Faith was terrified looking at Adrian peeling off his white apron,

donning the green surgical scrubs and putting on a cap and a mask. After a few

seconds, Adrian came and told her that everything will be alright. It was a matter of

few hours and she would see her father again as healthy as before.

For two hours, Adrian and a bunch of doctors and nurses worked relentlessly to fix

up Badmash's leg, and at the end, the surgery was successful and Badmash was

wheeled to intensive care before moving him to the recovery room.

When the surgery ended, Adrian turned to the hall where Faith had been

impatiently waiting. She looked frail but when she saw him, a frown of feardisappeared from her brows.

"Thank God...Thank you Adrian for your help! I'll never forget what you've done,"

Faith sighed deeply.

With a decent smile, her neighbour replied, "don't thank me, Faith; I was just

doing my job. In fact you should thank the blood donor. Your father desperately

needed blood and a woman, I think, stepped and gave him what he needed, her name

was Mrs. Min or Moon or..."

"Mrs. Mean?" Faith interrupted him.

"Yes! That was her name. Luckily, their blood type matched".

Faith rushed outside the hospital to search for a public phone. She wanted to

deliver the good news to her family. She saw one across the road, so she ran to it,

typed the number and waited while the phone was ringing. Mary was the one who

picked up the phone.

"Hello!" said Mary.

"Is my mother beside you?" inquired Faith.

"No! She is in the kitchen with my uncle Joe," replied Mary.

Faith, breathing heavily, said, "call her, Mary, I have good news. My father is fine

now and".

Faiths speech was not over yet when the little sister rushed to the kitchen to inform

her mother. Hope, not believing what little Mary had told her, ran to the phone,

picked it up and immediately said, "Faith! Where are you? What are you doing? We

are so worried about you! You'll be punished for you've done" Hope angrily said.

"But mum...I'm in the hospital, I went to see my father. He had undergone a surgery

and he needed blood. You won't believe who was the donor," said Faith justifying her

deed.

Hope forgot about the punishment completely as soon as she heard what her

daughter was saying; she wanted to know the whole story so that she asked her

daughter about that donor.-7-


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"She was my uncle Joe's wife; Mrs. Mean," answered Faith.

In the hospital, Badmash was lying in the recovery room. He was sleeping out of

consciousness lost in his dreams; a few hours and the effect of the anesthetic will wear

off. Adrian was sitting quietly beside his patient. He watched Badmash breathing

slowly, and wondered how desperately Faith would be if her father died. The surgery

was not at all fine as he told Faith. It was true that they succeeded to fix up the leg

and could return the broken bone to its place, but Badmash was not still out of danger.

"There is a possibility that Badmash will not walk again naturally," said Adrian to the

nurse who came inquiring about the patient's condition. "Anyway, it's too early to

confirm that, we still have time to wait and see."

Adrian wished that what he said was wrong, and told the nurse to let him alone

with Badmash. Where's Faith? whispered Adrian. His voice was like a whisper spread

in the quietness of the room. He stood and walked slowly towards the hall where he

had left her.

In the waiting room, Faith was still waiting for Adrian to come and permit her to see

her father. She looked as weak as her father lying asleep inside the recovery room. She

was again thinking about the past, and about the ruthless drunkard who beat her

because she refused to give him the money she stored in her piggy bank. Pain filled her

heart, why wouldn't she forget? But she had to forgive him for the sake of her mother

who had suffered the most terrible pain a woman can suffer. It had been over five

years they had not seen Badmash, and the memory was dim. Faith had already decided

to see her father again, whether he had changed or not, she could not bear to live

without him. She started sobbing faintly, saying "I love you dad, please recover soonerfor us!"

"Here you are! I was looking for you," said Adrian smiling at Faith, "oh! I told you he

is doing fine, don't cry please!"

"No Adrian, Im not crying, dont mind these tears; they are just tears of happiness.

Thank you for what you did for my daddy, I wonder how I can repay you!"

"Thats my job dear, no need to repay me. By the way, have you told your mother to

come here?"

Faith suddenly jumped from her place and said happily, "here she is coming with

Mary and my uncle Joe!"

Hope was followed by her youngest daughter and her brother Joe when the little

Faith caught a glance upon them. The scene wasn't pleasing for the new comers;

people were everywhere, shouts and cries could be heard from a distance. No sign of

joy could be noticed as the three continued their way through, looking for Badmashs

room. One could be certain from Hope's way of walking that she was afraid. Scared

would be the right word to describe her state while her brother Joe seemed very

anxious. He shifted from one doctor to another asking them if they knew a person

called Mr. Badmash, but unfortunately no one did. Mary, however, was tightly holding

her mother's hand. The three seemed as if they were looking for a precious thing-8-


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which had been lost for a long time. Hope's stream of thoughts was disturbed by a

sudden cry in distance. At last a familiar face! thought Hope.

Faith burst into tears soon after seeing her mother coming, she ran to her and

hugged her. Adrian, very touched by the poor family's misfortune, said: "Everything

will be alright, ma'am, I will stay with him all the night, if I had to, to make that

happen."

"Thank you doctor. I appreciate your efforts," replied Hope lifting her head towards

Adrian. She hesitated for a minute and finally said: "Adrian? Is that really you?

Adrian?"

He confirmed her doubts and promised to tell her his whole story afterwards. Hope

introduced Joe and Adrian before they went together to where Badmash was lying

hurt and exhausted. Adrian took the whole family to Badmashs room; he was lying

down while his left leg was lifted and tied with a rope. They found Badmash sleeping,

so Adrian thought that he should not be disturbed and better to leave the room lettinghim to rest. From the first step into the room, Hope noticed a woman sitting beside

Badmashs bed. "Sandra!" cried Joe addressing that woman. She was his wife, Sandra

Mean.

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Compliance

"When I got my Baccalaureate everyone suggested that I should enroll in the

medical school in the capital. My parents wanted to see me a great doctor like those in

the TV series, ER. They expected a lot of things from me; they even talked it over and

decided to sell their land in the countryside to fund my university fees. I can

remember those days very well, my parents were so happy but their happiness

prevented them even from noticing that I had other dreams. Nobody asked me what I

want to do, or where I want to go. Everything was decided and I was like a puppet

filled with sorrow and misery. All what I was thinking of was my own dreams and

wishes. I was dreaming to be a top painter, that's what I like, to express my feelings

through shapes and colours."

All the family was listening eagerly to Adrian, as they waited for Badmash to wake

up in the cafeteria. He stopped for a moment then he continued talking in a low voice,

a voice which bore the misery of his feelings.

"Alas! Everything was shattered, and I realized that the reality was completely

different from my painted hopes. I accepted in silence my fate because I wanted to

rest my tired mind, I wanted to purge my soul from the inner sickness, to end the

sorrow and the suffering and look forward for the coming promising days.

Indeed, I enrolled in the medical school and I received a scholarship to study abroadbecause of my high achievements, and here I am now, a surgical doctor full of strength

and confidence with a career that I no longer despise".

"We thought that you won't come back dear Adrian," said Hope, "what made you

decide to return to your small town?"

"It's not easy to be away from the loved ones, besides life abroad is so hard so why

not serve my own country!" Adrian laughed then turned to speak to Joe, "by the way,

Mr. Dry, I'd like to congratulate you for having such a generous wife. She didn't only

donate her blood but she paid the entire surgery fee."

"Thank you, but is she doing well? I want to see her if it's possible," said Joe to

Adrian.

The two excused themselves and went to see Sandra. Before he left, Adrian told

Hope that he will send a nurse to take them to see Badmash when he would awake.

"Mum, I want to go and buy some flowers for dad, please," demanded Faith.

"You can go Faith, but you should hurry! We'll be waiting for you here, me and

Mary."

After half an hour, Faith returned to the hospital holding a bunch of flowers. She did

not find her mother and her sister where she left them, so she went to her fathers

room. Only her father was there, but where are the others? thought Faith. She opened-10-


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the door and stepped inside swiftly. Badmash was still out of consciousness so she put

the flowers carefully on the table and sat beside her father.

Faith had not seen him for ages. He looked as impressive as she had always thought.

"Hopefully aunt Sandra donated her blood, father!" Faith said softly. Suddenly,

Badmash opened his eyes slowly, looked at Faith and said: "HopeHope, give me

some water, please!"

Faith felt that time stopped after she had heard her father speaking. She remained

still like a statue for nearly a minute during which she held her breaths. It was the

longest minute Faith ever lived. Badmashs trembling voice paralyzed the girl and

confused her; she didnt know whether to go and fetch a glass of water for her thirsty

father or to make him know that she was Faith and not her mother. In fact, Badmashs

fault in mixing up names and faces was excused since he had not seen his daughter for

five years, and the fact is that the little Faith had grown up very much in that time to

look exactly like her mother."Hope please! A glass of water," repeated Badmash. Faith finally made up her mind

and ran to the cafeteria. She brought a glass of water with her and handed it to her

father, who, drank but a little and started apologizing still believing that he was talking

to his wife.

Badmash managed to narrate his five years-life in a matter of half an hour. How he

sacrificed when trying to quit drinking was the major theme in that story. He believed

that it was a sweet sacrifice since he succeeded in his goal. He also said something

about getting a decent job in construction where he got his injury after falling from the

second floor. Faith, after hearing her fathers story felt pity for him and knew that it

was not just them who were suffering during her father's absence; her father did too.

While Faith was with Badmash, Adrian and Joe were looking for Sandra. They,

finally, found her setting in the waiting-room holding a cup of coffee. Sandra wanted

to talk to her husband to make things right before being too late. Deep inside, she

knew exactly that her husband would be in the hospital with his sister. She knew him

well and knew that he was a very supportive and a very reliable person and that he

would be there beside Badmashs bed. That; however, wasn't the reason why she

married him. Everyone knew that she was after his money. She never thought about

her husbands good qualities until now that she realized how badly she wanted to

spend the rest of her life with the man and not his money.

Sandra couldn't lift her head to see Joe; she was too embraced. Adrian thought that

it was better to leave them alone, so he excused himself and said that he will go to

check on Badmashs health.

When they were left alone, Sandra started speaking first, "I'm sorry for everything,

Joe. At first, what interested me was your..."

But Joe interrupted her, "Sandra, don't..."

"Please let me finish, Joe. I have a lot to say!"

"Hush! You don't have to say or explain anything, Sandra. Misunderstanding occurs-11-


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between any husband and wife and what happened between us proved to me that I

can't carry on lying to myself. I'm perfectly aware that what has been broken can't be

fixed again, you broke my heart, Sandra, and your charitable deeds won't soothe the

ache that's inside," Joe pointed to his heart and carried on talking in a husky voice, "I

want to tell you I"

But he suddenly recalled the day he heard Sandra talking to her sister on the phone,

telling her that she would get rid of him as soon as possible because she couldnt bear

to live with a dummy. For eight years, Joe accepted his wife's manners. "Though

nagging and henpecked Sandra is, I can't bear to be away from her," he used to tell this

to his sister at each quarrel with his wife.

"Listen Sandra," said Joe abruptly, but Sandra didn't let him finish his talk. She

walked towards him, put her hand over her slightly swelling tummy and said softly,

"your child needs his father, a doting father who gives him affection because his

wretched mother is incapable to do that. Joe! Are you going to leave him too? Forgiveme, Please, I'm ". Sandra Knelt down and started weeping hysterically.

Joe couldn't believe what he heard, tears filled his eyes and he felt as if someone has

slapped him awake from his despairing anguish. It is incumbent on him to take care of

his baby; he is innocent after all! He found it intricate to forgive her easily, but a baby!

"A baby?" asked Joe surprised. He fell into silence after the evanescent happiness he

felt. Maybe she is just fooling me; maybe it's just one of her witty tricks, but why is

she trying to do that? Joe was thinking.

Hope and Mary suddenly entered the waiting room to find Joe and Sandra.

"Oh dear Joe! You are here, have you seen Faith? She left toGoodness! What's the

matter?" asked Hope pointing at Mrs. Mean. Mary started crying when she saw Sandra

looking faint.

"Get up to your feet Sandra," said Joe then turned to Hope and asked her to leave

them alone.

"I can't go, Joe, sorry! Don't you dare hurt her! Adrian told me that she's pregnant.

Take her home immediately, she needs to rest."

Joe, with a disguised frown on his brow said, "your baby saved you! Come on let's

go home!" But the kind-hearted husband couldn't hide his happiness, he escorted his

wife out of the room saying," I'll be a father, oh God! I'll be a father, Sandra!".

"Now where's that naughty Faith, this girl is driving me nuts!" Hope was furious.

"Maybe she is with daddy mama; let's go there," said little Marry.

Hand in hand with her little daughter, Hope headed to her husbands room. Neither

Hope nor Faith were aware of the fact that Badmash had taken sleeping pills; those-12-


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medicaments helped in speeding the process of his recovery. The drugs; however,

caused him a side effect; his visibility weakened and he could barely see as he first

woke up. It was another reason why Badmash couldnt realize that Faith who was

sitting beside him and not his wife.

The two persuaded their walk towards the room hoping that Faith would be there.

As they reached the rooms door, they saw Faith setting on a comfortable chair by her

fathers right side. Her head was leaning on her chest and tears were running down her

face. Badmashs eyes were constantly fixed on hers. He could barely move; one could

see that he struggled every time he moved his lips. The room was lightened up, the

window was opened; it was a kind of a hole by which a puff of air went in to make

the room cooler. Badmashs story was disturbed by the sound of a door being opened.

He looked towards the source of the sound only to see his wife and Mary stepping in.

The confused father was shocked and couldn't say much: "H HHope?". By that

time, the influence of the drug went off and therefore he restored his strong visibility

once again. He was able to see the resemblance of the two ladies, Faith and hermother, after a few moves from his wifes face to his daughters and back to his wifes

again. The same hair, the same face, the same eyes; the only deference was the height,

he thought. As for Mary, he did not recognize her. How could he if she was only five

years old; the same period he had been away from home.

Badmash's confusion didn't last for long since Faith stepped up and explained the

whole story. He felt so stupid not to recognize his own daughter. Guilt found its way

through the poor man's heart as he missed five whole years apart from his family. On

the other hand, he was extremely happy to see Mary grown up; the last time he saw

her, she was ten days old.Mary was relieved to finally have a father of her own. Deep inside, Badmash never

forgave himself; the meeting had opened a wound and made him realize the mistake

he did. Alcohol was his major problem; in fact it was the reason which set them apart.

Yet, things are different now; he had been sober for three years. Even though still in

pain, he managed to pass that information to his wife. "Ill never leave my family ever

again," Badmash silently swore.

Hope forgave her husband and suggested a fresh start. Badmash was very happy to

hear those words: "A fresh start". They were all what he had been thinking about

for a long period of time.

-13-


18/65

Aspiration

As the happy family was catching up Adrian entered the room, with a piece ofpaper in his hands, to the sight of Badmash grasping the hands of his wife so fondly.

The image when Hope was young and fresh came across Badmash's mind. He

remembered well the day they married. He had always thought that their union was

one of the most amazing. Badmash fought hard to get wed with her. He passed three

nights out in the cold December waiting for her father to change his mind. Hope was

from a town were conservatism was the rule, to marry a "stranger" was out of the

question, and it was going a bit far there to marry an artist! Yet it was art that gathered

them.

Hope met Badmash in a scientific seminar, it all started with a debate when he said

sarcastically commenting the saying of a scientist that the secret of life is in questioning

matter, " what's the matter if matter holds its matter, isn't it the real matter to go

beyond matter!". Hope waited till the end of the scholars speech and turned to the

agitator saying to him, "Mr. Black-dressed, would you keep your sarcasm out of serious

matters, if you don't like this seminar or you're not interested why would bother

yourself coming!"

"I didn't come to listen to that heresy! I am here to meet a friend," snapped back

Badmash.

"Well then let it be short," said Hope leaving her seat.

"Here you are dear friend, how are you Badmash, I missed you dear friend?" said Mr.Med.

"Is this your friend?" asked Hope surprised.

"Do you know each other?" uttered Med.

"Much to know to leave without saying how do you do!" answered Badmash

ironically.

"We've met inside, doctor Med, and I think he's not at ease in here, isn't it Mr...?"

"Call me Badmash"

"Mr. Badmash is an artist, he is a painter and a writer," explained Med.

"I would say an odd-tist!" said Badmash.

"Ah Badmash, I've missed your humor and beautiful mind," said Med andcontinued," Badmash is an old friend, we were inseparable, unfortunately life torn us

apart and obliged us to take two different ways, after we got our Baccalaureate I

wanted to do medicine, but he wanted art, and said he doesn't want a discipline that

takes off his freedom of thought! Though I don't agree with that much he has ever

known what he's doing and was always the freak who sees further than all the others,

he didn't want to get to university although he got the best marks and decided to leave

the town 'to explore the world and look for the human being inside' isn't it what you

said, Badmash?"

"Actually, were not that different, Med, we treat the same thing, youre a

-14-


19/65

cardiologist and you try to cure heart diseases, and I deal with the same organ but

what I deal with what is invisible and out of the reach of matter!".

Hope was so interested in what Badmash was saying, she felt sorry for being rude

with him and said: "Mr. Badmash, theres another seminar next week and well have

dinner after that at my house, so well be pleased to have you among us!"

"I am afraid seminars are not of my business, but if you please I invite you to come

with me and Med to an exhibition of the painter Mr. Heave on the theme of silence,

answered Mr. Badmash.

"It would be a pleasure of mine to come, said Hope, the eyes sparkling.

Everything went fast as in a dream; Hope and Badmash were closer than the two

chambers of the same heart, they fell in what people couldnt name, in something

without a signifier, in what people call roughly Love. The thing was that Badmash was

just passing by the city and he lived miles away from the birth town of Hope.

Nevertheless he decided to go and ask her hand. He knew that her father wasunarguable though he decided to take a shot. He went to meet him and was rudely

refused, but he didnt give up and passed three nights outside praying and asking her

father to reconsider his decision. Finally, her father accepted with one condition.

"Listen boy, said Mr. Dry in a shrill voice, "Hope and Joe are the only kids I have. I

love them more than anything in this world and to take Hope away is something I can

never tolerate. Unless you stay here in this town with my daughter or I'm sorry; your

request is denied!"

Badmash glanced at Hope but she was sitting afar on the cushion sobbing faintly. She

felt daggers piercing her heart when Badmash looked at her so she closed her eyes andremained still. Tears were running down her cheeks leaving them burnt. She did not

dare to reject her father's decision or tell him that she could not live without Badmash.

Badmash looked amazed at Mr. Dry's demand. But he had already taken his decision

to marry Hope. He spent three days in the freezing weather waiting for Hope's father

to change his mind and he didn't want to be discouraged. Badmash knew that Mr. Dry

wanted to set them so far apart, but he would not let anything to separate him from

the lady of his heart. The few days they spent together during his visit to town set

them even more closely. Day after day Hope's impression and admiration grew bigger

towards Badmash. She loved his writings and insisted on him to write more being

widely recognised. She told him commenting on his last novel that his writings bring

the sensitive soul to tears, touch at the deep heart's core, and that his talented feat

made her rediscover beauty around her. Her scientific education prevented her from

appreciating the value of art, being involved only in matters and numbers.

Badmash grabbed his strength at last and said, "sir, I accept your condition, and it is a

great honour for me to marry your daughter, I promise you to take care of her".

Mr. Dry smiled happily and walked towards Hope. He took her face in his palms and

wiped away her tears. "I'm happy only when I see my child happydon't cry, dear.

Go and bring something for your husband to drinkquick!"-15-


20/65

The two young couple fought hard to marry each other. Soon after their marriage,

Mr. Dry died because of a serious brain hemorrhage which made Hope, who was five

months pregnant, in a bad health. Badmash strived to soothe his wife's agony because

of the unexpected death of her father. She gave up everything and fell into depression,

but the new coming baby opened for them doors of hope and faith. The couple had

no idea what the baby was, Badmash said he didn't care but deep inside he wanted a

boy. He impatiently waited for the moment to hold his baby in his arms and kiss him;

nine months seemed so long for him.

At last, Hope gave birth to a baby girl and they decided to name her Faith. Faith was

so beautiful. "But she is small, Hope, too small! Are you sure she's fine?" asked

Badmash. Hope laughed and asked him to hold her. When he did, bliss overcame him

and tears filled his eyes.

"Memories never die," sighed Badmash with eyes shining with tears, "the wrong I

did to you keeps haunting me. I'm sorry for everything, for my deceit and betrayal."Hope sent the children away with Adrian, who came to check on her husband's

health, to talk more freely. Badmash insisted to talk to his wife, although Adrian

prevented him from doing so.

"Let's not talk about the past, for there's no need to revive the memories I consider

as dead. I've learnt from you tolerance, and forgiveness and a fresh start is what we

need. Forget what happened for the sake of our children. We love you," said Hope.

"I love you more," said Mr. Badmash smiling.

Adrian said that Badmash still needed a few weeks to recover completely before

going home. He had to attend some sessions to give his muscles flexibility and helphim walk again naturally.

The two weeks Badmash spent in the Sacred Placewere the happiest. Adrian gave

his family the advantage of visiting their father every day. A large smile could be seen

on Badmash's face every time his family opened the room's door. His wife used to

bring him different kinds of fruits; Adrian said that they were good for his health.

When Badmash wasn't doing walking-exercises, he used to sit with his family and

share their stories which happened in the last five years. Hope informed him that Joe

and his wife were excepting a child. She also said that their help was vital since

Sandra donated her blood and her husband stood by him when he needed him the

most.

After hearing all that, Badmash felt like he was away for ages; he missed Marys first

steps, he also missed the first word she uttered and which ironically was "pa" Now;

however, he was relieved to be forgiven and to the way things went.

-16-


21/65

Fidelity

Joe was still in a state of surprise yet so happy. After many years of waiting, hisultimate and only dream was fulfilled. He almost lost trust in Sandra; he was even

about to divorce her. News like that changed his whole plan therefore he decided to

give Sandra a second chance. Deep inside, Sandra knew that the only reason why Joe

gave her a second chance was the baby inside her tummy. Although very hurt to

realize such a fact, Sandra decided to carry on hoping that Joe would change his mind.

She was sure that he would because she was not the woman she used to be.

"What do you want to eat tonight, Joe?" said Sandra. She wanted to do the cooking

herself that night. She had already dismissed the cook who used to prepare all her

husband's meals and decided to take care of him herself, careful to all the details.

For full seven years, Sandra was like a stranger in the house. The housekeeper was

taking charge of everything even Joe's personal needs. She knew the slightest details of

his life; what he liked and what he disliked, his favorite food and even the time he

returned home at night. If one didn't know Sandra, he would mistaken her to be his

wife.

Joe's life was perfect in spite of his unsuccessful marriage; a large impressive

mansion, a very successful career, and a beautiful wife. Nevertheless behind this

perfection a deep sorrow dwelt Joe's soul. Many people envied him for his perfect life,

yet if one unveiled the showy cover of appearances, one would sense a terribleloneliness. Only a few people knew that genuine happiness resided not in extravagant

and ostentatious lives and they pitied Joe.

Mr. Joe Dry owned a big plastic factory in the city and used to spend most of his

time there, away. This explained why he chose to buy his house in the countryside; to

be away from his wife. He was living an empty monotonous life, only breathing;

signing papers, talking to his manager, but everything inside was hurting. He never

cursed his fate, and he was not angry neither hopeless but always willing to forgive her

and start anew, and the baby came at the right time to change completely their lives,

to the better!

"Scrambled eggs," Joe teased Sandra. She looked angry and quickly replied, "you eat

this in the city, Joe, here there's only home-made healthy food."

"Oh dear! I really don't want to make you tired, remember the doctor said no

walking. I can cook myself!"

Sandra refused and insisted that she was in a good health. Hopefully, the cook left

her recipes here! she said to herself while opening an old torn cookbook. She pored

over the book for a long moment and then decided to prepare some soup. But it was

already nine p.m. and she knew that it was late so she changed her mind and instead

grilled a steak with fried eggs on top and made salad.

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22/65

"Like you wished, Joe, I cooked scrambled eggs. I'm terribly sorry but I promise

tomorrow I'll make you a decent dish."

"No, it's good. You're lucky no complaints for today but we'll see tomorrow," said

Joe smiling.

After dinner, Joe helped his wife doing the washing-up. For the first time after seven

years, he felt cheerful and wondered how he missed a comfortable and warm family

life. That night was the happiest; like a sweet dream you don't want to wake up from.

He couldn't believe that Sandra was taking care of everything, they chattered for a

while and he could sense the changes in her manners. The two remained quiet for a

while and then Joe said: "Sandra, I wanted to tell you about something but I wasn't

sure you"

"What it is, Joe, you can tell me," Sandra cut him out.

"Well, I was thinking that maybe we can invite my sister, Hope and her husband to

stay here a few days. You know that Badmash is still ill and I thought that his stay here

will help him recover. He needs some fresh air."Sandra remained silent for a little while and then said, "I wanted to ask you the same

thing, but I'm afraid that Hope will not like it. You know that we are not really

friends."

"Don't worry, Sandra, I'll phone her tomorrow and convince them to come!"

Hope's cellphone rang several times but there was no answer. A cold shiver took

hold of Joe, he picked up his coat and headed towards the hospital, he felt something

was going wrong. The rain was pouring and it was a biting cold, the sky was like a

morning mother the day of her son's loss.

"He's gone Joe, he's gone...," burst Hope into tears; Faith was petrified, her tearscascading in the corner of his hospital's room, Joe felt he was about to faint, how could

it be! The doctor said they did their best but his body couldn't resist.

"Why is that, Joe, why is that," shouted Hope, "why losing him when founding him

again. I didn't even have the chance to tell him how much I missed him; he's dead, Joe,

dead! I won't see him again," she cried hysterically.

Joe held Hope tight and kissed her forehead, she looked haggard and deadly pale.

Badmash's image didn't leave her eyes for a moment, she could not forgive herself. She

felt as if she was the reason, she was so cold and indifferent to him when he tried

painfully to open up and talk to her to explain why he left. For five years she waited

for him to come back; and spent sleepless long nights roaming aimlessly in their

deserted room holding his poems which she treasured in her hands. She could feel her

eyes fill with tears as she read and re-read them, she could feel her heart aching and

her body numb with pain. She missed him when he left, missed his kind smile, his

brilliant beautiful mind, his company. And she felt in his absence emptiness and

sorrow which she strived to conceal from her little daughters. Her grief for his absence

doubled now that he had gone without return.

"He's gone, Joe, forever!" Hope whispered huskily.

Little Mary so confused and shocked left the room and started wandering in the-18-


23/65

hospital. She couldn't understand what had happened; they were all crying frightening

her more and more.

The atmosphere was suffocating, the same atmosphere when Marguerite passed

away. It was a tragic death when their car crashed against a tree. Badmash survived the

accident but unfortunately his daughter didn't. She spent three days unconscious

struggling with death but she didn't make it. Badmash couldn't bear it; he kept saying

he will never forgive himself, though it was not his fault. He tried hard to break but

the car wouldn't stop. The pain was so great that he couldn't stay home anymore. Her

picture was haunting him, her memory was torturing every cell of his body, and their

home turned to be a house of ghosts. Things got worse when he started drinking and

bitter beating his second daughter, Faith. He felt that he started losing his mind and

couldn't help but to leave, and so it was in the morning of one of Septembers days.

Hope's grief was double, to lose a daughter in a car accident that's terrible, but to

lose a husband that was almost fatal for her. She struggled hard and tried to keep her

chin up for her little daughter, Faith, and the coming baby. She felt that all themiseries of life came to her at once.

Adrian came in and said, "Mrs. Hope, excuse me I need you for a word." He was sad

for what happened to Badmash, he and his colleagues worked earnestly to save his life,

but ultimately they failed. "I'm so sorry!" Adrian talked in a low voice and tried to

explain what happened, "I swear we did our best. We injected him with a dose of

antibiotics to treat the serious infection, but the pus had already disseminated all over

his leg, even having it cut off was a remote choice for us because your husband was

diabetic. I'm sorry, Hope, forgive me because I failed to save his life."

Hope was listening absent-mindedly to Adrian, when he finished she turned to himand asked him permission to take the corps to bury it. He agreed and took her to the

Director of the hospital to sign some papers before they could leave. They did not find

him, and upon Adrian's inquiry, they learned that perhaps he would be back in an

hour time.

All the stuff and the doctors knew that Dr. Steve Mess was non-proficient and

corrupt. It is due to him the Sacred PlaceHospital underwent a bad reputation and

became the destination of the poor and the miserable. In fact they were happy with

the low costs, and the free local medicament given to them. The filthy sheetsthough

most of them had disappeared, and the smelly toilets became the symbol of the

hospital's sacredness, and nobody cared to improve its conditions, even Dr. Mess

himself who had no time to waste on such silly matters. Everything was perfect in his

sight and he assumed the hospital's budget cannot afford much spending, even to buy

insecticides and chemicals to eradicate the disturbing insects!

Hope jumped from her seat outside the director's office and shouted "Mary! Oh

where is Mary?"

"Mary Mary!" cried Joe.

" Joe! Joe! Wake up my dear! Its but a nightmare! It's but a nightmare honey!

Joe was frightened in a pond of sweat, "is Badmash OK?" he questioned breathlessly.-19-


24/65

"Yes, he will be back home tomorrow, that's what Adrian said," answered Sandra.

"Oh God! A horrible nightmare, Sandra, a horrible nightmare! you cannot imagine,

thank God!"

Joe glanced at his watch; it was 9 am. He got out from his bed and rushed towards

the telephone to call his sister. Before he dialed the number, the thought of Badmash

dead entered his head. Suddenly the telephone started ringing; it rang several times

before he could pick it up.

"It's Faith," he said to his wife, "yes Faith, how is your father? How is Mary? I had

been so worried."

"Hello, Uncle Joe, everybody is good and Mary is good too!" Faith was surprised why

he was asking about her little sister.

"Is your father doing well? Your aunt Sandra told me he is leaving the hospital

today."

"Yes uncle, Adrian has allowed him to leave this afternoon, and mum asks if you canjust come and drive us home"

"Of course darling, tell your mama I'll be there."

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25/65

Changes

Joe had not yet told Hope to come to his house instead of going to their apartment.

He was not sure she would accept it, but his wife convinced him to insist on her untilshe would agree. He had not known that it was his sister's wish, too, to stay a few days

in his house because her husband cannot climb the stairs, but she was embarrassed and

she thought that his wife, who used to dislike her, would not accept them to come.

Yet, she could not help but feeling the want of asking her brother because his help

would save her husband Badmash a great trouble. "I will tell him", she told herself

while waiting for Faith outside the telephone booth, but then she changed her mind

and resigned to a lethal silence.

Joe arrived to the hospital, willing to drive Faith's family to the countryside. He

knew how much Hope adored the fresh air, the growing grass, the beautiful, wooden

hut that Joe possessed, and the lake where her little Faith had spent many days playing

merrily. That would never be found in the city. Therefore, Joe saw an opportunity and

decided to seize it to convince his sister. Of course, there would be one problem to

solve and which is the issue between Hope and Sandra. But he had his hopes raised

especially after the accident of Badmash, besides it was his wife who insisted of

bringing his sister home.

He persuaded his way through the main gate where he found the whole family

sitting in the hall; apparently they were waiting for him. Joe was relieved to see

Badmash alive after the nightmare he had, he could swear that it was a reality. Hopestepped forward to have a chat with her brother but before saying anything, Joe

surprised her by saying: "I'd be very pleased to have you along with your family in our

humble home, and I won't take 'No' for an answer!"

For a moment, Hope was uncertain whether to accept her brother's offer or to

apologize and go home with her husband and her little daughters. Badmash can make

some extra efforts after all and climb the stairs to his house; Joe and Hope were there

to help him, besides, she was not quite sure that Mrs. Mean had changed. But an

honest request like that made Hope to reconsider her objection and accept it whole-

heartedly.

"Are you sure your wife won't mind, Joe? We are four, the girls are young andyou're not used to our presence," said Hope.

"Come on sister, I told you Sandra wants you there, too, she has changed, Hope,

believe me!" Joe seemed suddenly to remember that he forgot to call his wife. The

road from the countryside to the hospital took him two hours and he promised to call

her as soon as he would arrive safely.

"Now she cares! Oh women, you are," said Hope teasingly. "Faith! Wake your

sister and let's go! Oh God! She is asleep too."

Badmash was laughing at his wife; he knew very well that she was bad-tempered at

times but also a loving mother. Who could deny what she did for her daughters all

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alone for five years! She herself was unsure that she would resist, but the fact that he

was somewhere, even if away kept her strong. The tragic death of their eldest

daughter coupled with a lonesome scattered life, all gave her a miraculous strength to

wait and pray for his return. Had her hopes been in vain? No, Badmash returned and

the whole family was closer and happy than they had ever been before.

"Ready to go?" shouted Joe. They were all ready except little Mary who was

scrubbing her eyes dazedly.

In Joe's car the family rode on first to Mrs. Hope's house to pick up their luggage

even Mary's pinky scooter, before heading towards the countryside. While they were

driving, Faith remembered her last glance to the place where her dear father was given

another chance to live, the last glance to Adrian who was standing at the door step,

putting his hands into his white apron, the way she waved at him with a sense of

gratitude and walked away. At that moment only, Adrian realized why his parents

insisted on him to enter a medical school. He really felt how was it like to be a helper,or even a lifesaver as to speak.

In a journey that took a couple of hours, Faith couldn't miss the extraordinary

scenes. Yellow farmlands could be seen everywhere, they captured a large area because

it was the season of harvest. Glistening rivers running here and there. They even

passed over a high bridge, but Faith didn't have the courage to look to the beautiful

and pure river beneath since she had a fear of highs. Two rows of green and nicely

designed trees on both sides of the road. The trees were so huge that they made the

road look gloomy. They were so big that they blocked down the burning sunrays in

summer time; one could take a nap there without even noticing that it was 35 degreesCelsius.

As the happy family reached the town, a puff of air found its way through the

opened windows of the car as a welcoming gift to Badmash and his family. A large

smile was painted on everyone's face in the car. Badmash was just grateful for the

reunion of his family as well as for his first visit to the countryside after more than five

years absence.

There, at the front yard of Joe's mansion, was his wife waiting for them. It was an

ancient massive country house with a beautiful outer design. There were three steps to

reach the door and Sandra was standing on the last one. She was wearing casual

clothes; that surprised Faith a little bit because Sandra was very known by her

fashionable clothes that, of course, Joe used to buy for her. Yet things were different

now because Sandra has changed a lot; she looked normal, she looked like a real

housewife.

Sandra stood smiling welcoming the guests and saying cheerfully: "Welcome home!".

Joe helped Badmash to descend the car and together with Hope and the girls walked

slowly to the house. The house was impressive, and Faith couldn't help shift her eyes

from the furniture around her. It was, undoubtedly, the most beautiful house she ever

saw in her life. She had not seen the house since she was an infant and only a shady

picture remained in her memory.-22-


27/65

The family first was introduced into a large living room in the first floor to rest

before going upstairs. It was painted in a silky beige colour and the curtains elegantly

white were fluttering with the rhythm of the soft wind. In the centre of the room was

placed a large antique wooden table and on it was set a silver vessel filled with a

beautiful bouquet of red and yellow roses cut from the garden. The room was

furnished luxuriously: large fauteuils, expensive carpets, magnificent paintings on the

walls.

"How was your trip? I hope you're not so much tired Badmash," asked Sandra while

serving juice to her guests.

"Well, I'm fine. In fact I'm so happy to visit this place again; it's been a long time.

Oh! I've almost forgotten to thank you for your generous act, you saved my life," said

Badmash gratefully.

"Yes Sandra, I don't know how I can thank you," added Hope.

"No my dear, I didn't do anything. That's my duty," Sandra smiled bashfully.

Badmash was taken by surprise by Sandra's sudden change of behaviour, and suchchanges defied understanding sometimes. This is not the same Sandra he knew, she

looks totally different!

It was almost dark outside, and the fading daylight made the room look more

beautiful and romantic. In fact everything looked fabulous and tidy, but Joe longed to

see his kids playing around. The family, then, had dinner in the dining room which was

less lavish. Sandra served them vegetable soup and then roasted chicken with baked

potatoes as the main course. The dessert was chocolate ice cream with a gooey

chocolate fondue served with fresh strawberries.

After dinner, they all sat together talking for two hours. They were all happy, even Joe who was cynic living in a mansion filled with anger and grief. No wonder that

genuine happiness is not a commodity one can purchase!

Mary was sleeping on her mother's lap when they decided to go to bed. The day was

long and they were very exhausted. Hope kissed her daughters good night and went

with Sandra to show her the room.

"Good night," said Mary as she turned to walk with Faith to their room.

In the following morning, Faith was awakened by the loud sound of the door bell.

She opened one eye and barely opened the other as the sunrays were pointed directly

towards her face. She got up, dressed up, washed her face and headed to the kitchen to

drink some cafe. Meanwhile, her little sister was sleeping and snoring heavily.

As Faith walked down the tremendous stairs, she saw her aunt talking to a man by

the door; his clothes denoted that he was a delivery boy. He held Sandra some papers

and said: "Have a good one, Madame" and walked away.

"Good morning aunt!" Faith, still suffering from getting up so early, said.

Sandra was reading what was written on that paper and for some reason she looked

absent-minded; her facial expressions were constantly changing and finally settled

down to be in a state of extreme astonishment. Sandra tried to hide her thoughts and

feelings but failed since Faith knew for fact that something was wrong. She hesitated

for a minute then said, "good morning dear. I like those who get up so early as-23-


28/65

yourself; let me grab you some coffee."

They went to the kitchen and to Faith's surprise she found out that everything was

set on the table and ready to be eaten.

One by one, the rest of the happy family joined Faith and Sandra to the kitchen. The

huge house was vivid one more time; small talks, laughter were to be heard from

outside. Everything seemed wonderful but that wouldn't keep Faith's mind off that

newly received paper. Is it that bad? What could possibly be on that paper that made

my aunt behave look that way? Faith thought.

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Betrayal

What should be done when everything comes to an end, and one perfectly

perceives that the overburdened soul cannot bear another hardship? When mistakesthat had long been buried in the past and time had successfully washed away, found its

way back to intrude upon the already tired mind.

To her disappointment, Sandra couldn't hide what was bothering her. She also

couldn't help but feeling unusual and afraid especially that Faith's constant glances

scrutinized her face in search for an answer. That was like an intimidating eye witness

having the truth and threatening to reveal it. Faith saw her aunt that morning holding

the newspaper, and immediately knew that behind the puzzled look that came over

Sandras face, something mystifying was hidden.

"What have you done?" a powerful voice bitterly tortured Sandra's head. Sooner or

later, they will know the truth, it is the end and your baby cannot save you this time.

Everyone knows about your shy-making deeds but they thought it is over, yet the

news will reach Joe and then a calamity!

It was a few years ago, some three or four years, when Sandra met Mr. Gary Pierce.

Gary was young impressive man of thirty, so beautifully dressed and loftily smiling in

confidence who came to Joe's office for an appointment. He was certain the boss of

the plastic factory would grant him the position of a manageror at least a high

position, not because of his MS degree in Finance and Marketing, but due to his

father's reputation, the renowned oil baron.Sandra was a young pretty woman too, and though she was in her mid-thirties and

was married to Joe, people still found her impressive and beautiful even Gary, the

well-intentioned friend and her husband's right hand partner. A fond relationship grew

between the two; they were much closer than any other devoted friends. They shared

the same aspirations, beliefs, and even the same obsession with money.

Sooner after the appointment of Mr. Pierce as a finance director, the situation at the

factory was appalling. The work was thriving, and heavy demands were made on Joe's

plastic products, yet no potential success and too little profit was gained. Joe, seeing

things going bad and to make it worse his marriage failing, stood helpless. Even his

home, the sole place that granted him peace of mind from the work's tensions, becamean inferno filled with grief.

In fact what was happening in the factory was far more dangerous than what Joe

thought. It was not a matter of a few weeks; someone was stealing Joe's money,

fooling his boss and planning to seize the factory and then take the owner's wife for

himself. Sandra knew all about Gary's plans and she helped him getting rid of her

husband whom she considered a fool.

"Gary is released from prison," Sandra said to herself, "sooner or later everything will

be revealed!"

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Going deeply in her thoughts, Sandra remembered that one day Gary gave her some

papers to sign instead of her husband. Those papers were about taking a huge value of

money in order to fund a project as Gary told her. In fact, the half sum of that money

was taken by him so as to invest in drugs! Unfortunately, Sandras signature was on the

papers! Always with her fear, her pale face, she put her hands on her tummy and

thought about the coming baby. I have to sacrifice not to let my little baby feel the

orphanage! she said in a silent voice.

After breakfast, Joe entered his room and Sandra keeping silent was behind him.

She stood next to the bed, and after a couple of minutes she decided to confess. She

breathed deeply and said: "Honey! I know that I was the source of all your problems

since you knew me! I'm the main problem of what is happening with your factory!

Sorry!"

But Joe stopped, "Oh darling! Why are you saying that! Forget about the dark past;

let's begin a new life where everything is going good and happy. Lets think about ournew guest. By the way, what do you suggest as a name for him or her?"

Sandra was completely drowned in her thoughts when her husband was dreaming

about his future kid.

"Oh! I would give him the name of Destiny, it would be the best name for him or

her, I'll redecorate the attic's room for him or her and I'll buy the most beautiful toys

for him and the latest dolls for her if it's a girl! said Joe happily, then continued, "hey!

Answer me Sandra, we still have three months to think in that, I know!" . But Sandra

was totally absent still thinking how to deal with the problem; the signature and the

article published that morning.

"Joe, please go to the market and fetch some vegetables and fruits, we have gueststo take care of," said Sandra pretending to be more busy with what her guests need.

"You're right Sandra, I'll go now and take Faith with me. I'm sure she would be

happy to see the market."

Joe took Faith with him to bring some fruits, vegetables and some other things for

lunch. In the supermarket, he met a friend of him who was his classmate in the high

school.

"Hi Johnny! How are you doing, friend?" Joe asked.

"Oh Joe! Whats an opportunity, what's up with you Guilty Joe?". Joe's old

classmates used to call him with that name when he was in high school. "I've just

bought a newspaper and I remembered you when I read an article saying that your

factory knew a huge problem in management and I read that oh! By the way, who's

this Gary Pierce?" Johnny replied.

Joe took the newspaper to read what was written on that article. He was shocked to

read that Gary Pierce, who once was his finance director stole a huge sum of

moneywas released from prison. What shook him more was the other scandal about

his wife being Mr. Pierce partner published on the same article. He turned to Faith

and asked her whether she saw the newspaper this morning. Faith, with her shining-26-


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eyes and innocent voice told him that she saw her aunt Sandra reading it.

At that time, Joe understood what Sandra was talking about that morning in their

bedroom. Angrily, he finished buying those stuffs and returned back home. He

knocked on the door and the one who opened the door was not Sandra, but instead a

woman fully dressed in white. She seemed more relieved to see Joe and Faith coming

to the house, at least Badmash would not stay alone when she would leave.

For a moment, Joe thought he was mistaken in his house, but what a silly thought it

seemed to him later, when the woman said: "Hello Mr. Joe! Thanks God you are here!

I'm sorry for what happened, I couldn't do more!".

Who is she? And why she opened the door instead of my aunt! thought Faith. Joe

pushed the woman from the door without concentrating on what she said, and rushed

to the kitchen first but nobody was there. He then quickly climbed the stairs to his

bedroom, thrust the door wide open and stood staring breathlessly.

"Where is she, that!" Joe thought angrily. She was not there either, nor in thebathroom. But soon she may appear, and as it was their habit, they would fight and

shouts of complaints would be heard from afar.

"Don't lie to me, please!" said Faith to her father asking about the strange woman

she saw. Joe was near Badmash's room as he heard Faith talking in a firm voice, and

quickly remembered the day Joe asked Sandra about Gary.

"Don't lie to me," said Joe gripping Sandra's hand tightly

"What can be between us, my dear, but a friendship! Truly you have a suspicious

mind!" Sandra, fearlessly replied. With a fake smile she carried on avoiding to look into

Joe's eyes, "though I can't deny, Gary is one ofwell, everything about him is

mesmerizing. Butthe man really admires me! Yeah he does Joe."

Joe stood silent, then approached from the window and drew the white curtain

watching the gardener. The scene was pretty, and the gardener, already taken by

happiness, couldn't notice the jealous watcher. There was something powerful about

it, it had a soothing effect on his soul to see the man watering and planting roses. That

man could teach him how to live peacefully, how to throw aside all the complexes life

carries. It started raining outside, yet the gardener didn't seem bothered by it; he could

sit there longer to smell the strong scent of the wet soil, humming popular lyrics.

"Please dad! Don't lie to me. Where is everybody and why this woman opened the

door not my aunt or mum?" Badmash wanted to tell his little daughter what had

happened but he didn't have enough strength to reveal the truth. But eventually they

would know, thought Badmash, and so he told Faith everything. The woman turned

out to be a midwife, Hope fetched to help deliver Sandra's baby. The childbirth was

certainly unexpected, but Sandra felt an intolerable pain in her back. They all thought

it the wrong call; though the pain persisted and didn't appear it would halt.

"And when you and your uncle had been off to the market for supplies, only your

mum brought this woman! But she couldn't do much; the baby I guess" said

Badmash apologetically.-27-


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Sandra was in bad conditions when she was taken to hospital, she had totally

forgotten that her doctor warned her against stress. All her body was aching, and her

mind full of thoughts about Joe and their life unraveled her remaining strength. All

what she was thinking about was how stupidly she destroyed her life, lost her man and

now her baby. Her hand reached out to Hope while she murmured softly: "Tell him

sorry; please ask him to forgive me I'm really stupid". Tears filled her eyes as she

added, "I love him Hope, I swear I do". The ambulance caught Sandra at her last

breath; they drove to the nearest hospital with Hope sitting beside her praying for her

safety.

Standing motionless outside the room, Joe was listening to every word Badmash

uttered. The news he received about his baby ripped his soul. He felt that something

was broken, something strange, frightening, intolerable pain.

Joe was totally confused, he wanted to go to the factory to look for some papers. Ashe attempted to leave, the phone started ringing to cut his confusion.

"Hello, it's Joe, who's with me?"

"It's me, sir, Allen". Allen was the second responsible for the factory. His call

brought some relief to Joe, as he told him that they have received a huge sum of

money and that everything was going right in the Factory. A large smile was drawn on

Joe's face as he thanked God.

When Joe hung up, the telephone started ring again. "Allen, please if that,"

before Joe could finish, Hope's voice interrupted him.

"Joe, no it's Hope. Your baby boy is good now, so please come to the hospital as

soon as possible," said Hope.Hope also told her brother that the doctors had done all their best to safe the baby

and finally they could, and the baby was in the incubator now. Joe, after hearing that

news, rushed to the hospital to see his new baby which he waited for years.

Overwhelmed with stress and fear, Joe had not heard yet the unbearable

complications that Sandra went through in the ambulance. Since she delivered her

baby when he was only seven months old, he didn't have enough strength to survive

and that cause intolerable pain to the mother.

Lying in the hospital, Sandra was in a big conflict with herself, and though she was

on the edge of death, the only thing she thought about was how she destroyed her

husband's life. To make things worse, she lost his baby too, and truth be told, she

blamed herself for that. She found no consolation in the woman setting by her side

trying to make her feel better. Hope knew exactly what it meant to lose a member of

the family but in spite of that she could not help her brother's wife. Sandra turned her

head in the other direction and politely asked Hope to leave her alone. Of course,

Hope fulfilled her wish and went along with her daughter Mary to the waiting room.

Sandra was half-asleep when she was awakened by a very familiar voice; a voice that

had always made her heart shiver.-28-


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"Hello Sandra," the voice said. In dim light of the room Sandra could hardly

recognize the speaker. She thought he was Joe, but it was Gary who paid her a visit,

holding her favorite type of flowers in one hand, and a bag full of fruits in the other.

"Joe, is that you?" Asked Sandra in a voice similar to a whisper.

"Joe is outside asking his sister Hope about you and the baby," said Gary. But Joe

knew that Sandra had an unexpected visitor, so he rushed to her room to find Gary

with his wife. He approached close and realized that he could hear their conversation.

"How are you? I'm sorry for what happened to you," said Gary gently. But as he

received no answer, he approached more closely to check on Sandra.

Sandra was pretending asleep when she heard him saying "I know! You don't want

to talk with me I know, I," his voice was deep and serious, "please give me a

chance this time and listen to what I'm going to say.

Gary glanced over Sandra again, and he instantly saw tears running down her

cheeks. She laid on her bed silently, reluctant to utter any word. She still might offend

him or ask him to leave, but Sandra suddenly turned her face to him, and asked him tosit down. There was sorrow and disappointment in her face and after a moment

hesitation; she sighed profoundly and said: "I didn't expect you to come here; neither

had I thought I may see you again."

"Listen! I don't want to disturb you again, especially after all these years. Sandra! I'm

not here to add to your despondency. I just want to correct my mistake before I leave

the company and leave your family in peace."

Sandra startled by his serious tone, remained still.

"I've returned all the money I took from your husband. You're safe now I guess. I've

denied you were a part of that affair too; at least I made you sign the papers."

Continued Gary."Of course not," snapped Sandra abruptly, "I have my share of the blame, maybe I'm

safe as you said, but I'm left wretched, I've lost everything, Joe and my baby!". She

closed her eyes for an instant then pointed at the door, "please leave us Gary, go out."

Left alone, Sandra was thinking of her life and how it had changed from a dream to a

nightmare. There was no moment of joy, only heartbreaking problems, only sorrow,

only dismay, and she could not see the end of it approaching. It didn't occur to her

that Joe was listening to their conversation, feeling the same emptiness and dejection

she felt. Not able to sustain the thought that his baby boy, frail and too little, might

not survive. The incubator, as the doctor had told Hope, was the only comfort they

can give to the dying baby.

"All we can do is praying God and wait," said Hope to her brother. She came to see

Sandra, but found Joe outside her room. "Don't worry Joe! Rely on God. Now your

wife needs you, understood! Go and talk to her immediately, enough sorrow!".

Joe entered the room to see his wife and talk to her. He wanted to forgive her for

all what she did because he listened to the conversation and knew that Sandra felt

guilty about what she had done. So he decided to forget as he used to do since he had

a holy heart full of faith, he couldnt be nasty in those cases. He didn't want to lose all

his family members.-29-


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"Darling! Were married for seven years, and our relation used to be the worst one, it's

enough!" said Joe softly looking at Sandra.

She felt the end of her life, her heart was beating, she breathed badly, she was

waiting for husband to utter: "we have to divorce and each one of us start new life".

But Joe completed saying, " Sandra, we have to make hand in hand to start new life,

to save our baby, Destiny, he needs us, I don't want my dear baby to experience

orphanage, he has the right to live among his mother and father, surrounded by their

love, he needs us, Sandra, let him be the dot that derive the curve of our life, let's

change this nightmare to a heaven, let's do something dear, let's forget the past, let's

forget the pains, let's care about our new flower, let our life be the best garden for our

flower Destiny. Please, say something, Sandra."

Sandra breathed deeply, she was more relieved and relaxed, her soul filled up with

fortunate feelings. She drew a big smile on her face and became happy about what she

had heard and promised her husband to share the best and the worst with him and

never ever did what she had done.

In the midst of this romantic scene, Hope entered and told them that their Destiny

had flourished again, and they could take him home. His heart had done his best and

produced the adrenalin that permitted him to beat normally. All this, Hope explained

is because he felt the nice climate that surrounded his lovely parents, and sensed that

everything was going good for everyone, even for Hope and her family.

What a hopeful day it was, the day when Joe's family gathered together to celebrate

the new coming baby, Destiny.

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Desire

"Faith? Hon are you asleep?"."No mum, I'm just listening to you. Mama please carry on, what happened later?"

"Darling, what do you think if we let it for tomorrow, isn't it better? Remember,

you've school so you should get up early".

"But mum! You know I can't wait till tomorrow, can you finish the story now?"

"Oh! Faith, you've a stubborn head just like your father! You always like me to do

whatever you want, even if I object".

"Mother, please!"

"Ok then, but you blame yourself if you cannot wake up in the morning".

Mrs. Helen Dove, Faith's mother, took up the book and started reading again,

slowly: 'What a hopeful day it was, the day when Joe's family gathered together to

celebrate the new coming baby, Destiny. The boy was very little; this made his parents

protect him from the wind itself. He looked so handsome and cute, especially when

grinning. Though little, Mary's voice attracted him most. He loved her hair too, and many

times Mrs. Hope run hurriedly to the baby's room at Mary's screams asking for help.

There she could find the baby clinching Mary's hair in his hands. When summer finished,

Badmash was fully recovered and in a good health. He talked to his wife and they

decided to return to their apartment and leave the countryside.'

"Mum?"

"Huh? What is it honey?"

"Ok, I give up let it for tomorrow, I feel sleepy"

"Oh! Faith, I told you!"

"But, promise me that you will call daddy. You see how little Faith's parents got

together again, and how Mr. Joe forgave his wife?! I miss him mum"

"I know Faith, but sometimes there are things neither me nor your father can

correct. You sleep now, all right! I promise we will talk it over later"

"All right then, Good night mum"

"Night-night dear"

The day after, Faith got up early so as to prepare herself to go to school with her

classmate, Beauty. Faith was only ten and still an innocent amazing little girl. She had

totally her mother's face, and had two large emerald eyes always shining with

intelligence, a tiny nose that separate her eyes and her ruby mouth that always draw a

smile on her round face. Her fair and straight hair was generally combed in two braids.

Faith also had her father's personality; she was wise, generous, clever, cute and very

cheerful but she used to be obstinate since she was very spoilt. Her Friend Beauty was

a very kind girl from a poor family. She looked exactly like her grandmother who was

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extremely beautiful and smart. Faith loved her friend dearly, since the latter was

simply what Faith liked.

Every morning, the two sweet and lovely girls waited for the bus to go to school,

they were obliged to be on time because they had a very stringent headmaster who

hated poor pupils. He was named a" racist director" for his behaviour.

When Faith and her frie

unflagging faith

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