by DiAnn Mills
Larson and Paul had yet to reach a decision about where they should live or where the new baby should be born. His thoughts teetered between California and Nairobi. The States held all the latest conveniences, but Nairobi was closer. He’d move with them. Living separate from his family meant not fulfilling his responsibilities as a husband and father. Everything he read in the Bible demonstrated the importance of those two God-given roles. His senses were tuned to listen for God’s voice in hopes of a clear and quick response, but He remained silent.
“Paul, do you have a minute?”
He turned to the sound of Santino’s voice. “Good morning. Didn’t I just see you with Larson?”
Santino stiffened. “We had a brief discussion, and she suggested I come to you.”
Thomas whimpered again, and Paul boosted him to his shoulder. He was getting this fatherhood routine down pat, even learning how to swaddle his infant son. Something about being bundled tightly in a blanket kept Thomas content. Paul believed he’d be an expert by the time the next one came along.
“I need to register at University of Nairobi before the next school session begins in September.” Santino hesitated.
Paul laughed. “And flying there is much faster than trying to get a ride.”
“Yes, sir.”
“When would you like to go?”
“At your convenience. I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness.”
Santino’s training with the SPLA had instilled exceptional manners. “Is Thursday morning all right? I want to make sure I have a couple of soldiers here.”
“Thank you, sir. Would you like for me to contact Colonel Alier or Commander Okuk and make arrangements?”
“I’ll take care of it. Larson and I appreciate your hard work. If you need a job when school is not in session, let us know.”
“I will . . . and thank you for providing for Aunt Sarah. She took me in when my parents died.”
Paul nodded. “She’s a fine woman and a great help to us.”
Santino disappeared down the path to the clinic. Good man. He has the potential to be a strong leader for this country—especially if he becomes a Christian. Sarah had shared with Paul her nephew had not acknowledged the work Jesus had done on the cross. In the skies above Africa, Paul would share the gospel with the young man.
The trip to Nairobi would also provide some time to look into housing possibilities for his family. Perhaps Sarah could move with them. Her presence would be a source of comfort to him and Larson.
Thomas broke into a wail, one the whole village could hear. Paul continued to pat his son’s back in hopes of calming him down without the aid of the village women or Larson. Something warm trickled down his shirt. Then came the smell. Next came the giggles of too many women. Maybe he had much to learn about being a father.
CHAPTER 19
Paul landed with Santino at Wilson Airport, eleven kilometers outside of Nairobi’s city center. This small airport was a base for missionary planes and those heading into the Masai Mara for safaris. After summoning a taxi for the young man, Paul asked him how long he planned to be in the city.
“I’m not sure what is involved with registration at the university, and I’m certain there will be tests to take. I also want to look for a job and a place to live. But I can get a ride back to Warkou.” Santino smiled. “Thank you for flying me in.”
“Call Ben if you need me to come after you. He’ll get the message to me.” Paul clasped Santino on the shoulder. “I wanted more time to talk to you about the gospel.”
Santino laughed, his wide smile radiating youth and idealism. “You, Dr. Farid, and Aunt Sarah. I’m thinking about the things you tell me. I just need more time.”
“I respect that, but the decision to follow Christ is not one made with the head alone.” Paul patted his chest. “It comes from here too.”
Santino nodded. “Sometimes I feel it.”
After the taxi picked up Santino and Paul paid the fare in advance, he made his way to the Nairobi Hospital, a structure of white concrete and gray stone that was always expanding. No wonder Nairobi was proud of this facility.
Larson had drawn blood from Thomas this morning and had made arrangements for the lab to perform various tests. But first, Paul made inquiries about the maternity ward and toured the entire area. A man needed to know where the grand events took place. The green floors glistened like a mirror, and each staff member smiled like he was a dignitary.
Paul hadn’t shared his worries with Larson, but Ben looked poorly. The more he thought about it, the more he believed he should try to talk to Ben’s doctor. Granted, the hole in his arm had been serious, but the man appeared to be weakening, and his weight loss alarmed his friends.
Once he’d delivered Thomas’s blood samples, he learned the doctor’s name who’d performed the surgery on Ben’s arm. Dr. Phillip Khamati greeted Paul warmly, and they spoke freely until Paul asked about the particulars of Ben’s health.
“That’s patient confidentiality.” The doctor leaned back in his chair. “Without written permission from Colonel Alier, I can’t tell you anything about his condition.”
“Could you give the information to another doctor?”
“The same rules apply.”
Paul fumed. “He doesn’t look well.”
Dr. Khamati didn’t move a muscle. “If he has a problem, then he needs to see me or your wife.”
“How did you know my wife is a doctor?”
He smiled. “Colonel Alier must have told me. But your wife’s reputation is worldwide. I’m sure you are very proud of her, as she must be proud of your determination to feed the starving masses of Sudan.”
“Thank you, Doctor. But we were talking about Colonel Alier, not me or my wife. We have seen a drastic change in his health, and we want to help. I’m sure you must have run plenty of tests to detect any serious conditions while he was here.”
“I did. However, as I said before, this is confidential information.”
“My wife and I noted he takes pills on a regular basis.”
“I prescribe medication to my patients as a matter of treating their illnesses.”
You’re holding back the truth. “You and I both know that Colonel Alier would rather die than admit he needs help.”
Did Paul see a twitch in the doctor’s face?
“The decision for him to see a doctor is not for you or me to make.”
What are you and Ben keeping from us? “Should I tell him I was here?”
Dr. Khamati stood from his desk. “That’s up to you, Mr. Farid. If you will excuse me, I have patients to see.”
Later, as Paul rode about the busy city with its mixture of sights and sounds, contemplating where he and his family might live comfortably, the conversation with Dr. Khamati repeated in his mind. For certain the doctor knew what was wrong with Ben. Paul was tempted to use his connections to obtain Ben’s medical records, but that would solve nothing. If Ben was keeping a secret, then he had a good reason why, and his privacy needed to be respected.
What is wrong with you, Ben? Does Daruka know? Or have you locked a secret inside your head where no one will ever learn the truth?
* * *
Ben swallowed a pain pill before Daruka returned from her garden. He found it increasingly difficult to steal away and take the prescribed drug without her knowing. The agony in his back seemed to grow worse. Night was approaching, an hour past the time he normally slipped away for his medication, but she’d been talking and then had gone to pick vegetables.
Sleep often eluded him, and the sexual appetite of his wife demanded strength that he no longer possessed. Something had changed her view of him once the wedding vows were spoken. He couldn’t refuse her, but how long would it be before she discovered her husband did not possess the vitality of other men his age? Daruka gave him her undivided attention, and David spent every waking moment with him or with his goats. Ben smiled despite his physical discomfort. Since the wedding, his new fam
ily’s company was the first peace he’d known since attending college in the States. Strange, he admitted for the first time in his life he’d found a portion of happiness.
Daruka walked toward him, carrying a basket of maize. As their people had done for centuries, she’d grind the grain to make bread or porridge.
“Where is David?” Ben took the basket from her arms.
“He’s sleeping tonight with his cousins.”
Her brother’s sons. David needed good friends, especially when Ben passed on.
She tilted her head slightly and studied him. “Are you sick?” She touched his cheek.
He chuckled. “Perhaps. If you consider how you’re wearing me out at night.”
She glanced away, a slow blush rising up her neck and face. “I waited and prayed for you for many years. And now that you are my husband, I want to make sure I keep you.”
Ben’s stomach twisted. They’d have a few months—not years—together. “You are more priceless than any man could ever hope to have.” That statement was true. He’d even considered the men he knew who would look after Daruka and David once he was gone.
“Daruka, you understand my position with the SPLA is a dangerous one.”
“Yes, you are everyone’s hero. I pray for you always for God to protect you.”
He smiled and set the basket on the ground. Holding out his arms as a father would do for his child, he silently urged her to step into his embrace. “You think much too highly of me, but I like it.”
“Our son is proud too.”
David’s respect meant more than another promotion or an invitation to help build Sudan. His son. “He is such a fine young man.”
She pulled away from him. “But you are not well. You don’t eat much, and you don’t sleep at night.”
“I’ve never slept soundly. Army life does that to you. I’m fine. Really.”
“What are those pills you take during the day and night?”
How could he lie his way out of this one?
“Ben? What are you not telling me?”
“Nothing.” His voice thundered. “I’m fine.”
Her eyes widened.
“I’m sorry, Daruka. I shouldn’t have shouted at you.” He pulled her back into his arms. All the while, white-hot fire shot up his spine. “The pills are nothing for you to be concerned about. One day I’ll tell you why the doctor prescribed them, but not today.”
“Dr. Farid? Your friend in Warkou?”
He kissed her forehead. “No. The doctor in Nairobi who took care of my arm.”
“Does it still hurt?”
The barrage of questions shortened his temper, and he fought to keep from unleashing it. “Sometimes it bothers me.”
She nodded as if she understood. “Why are you losing weight?”
He gripped her arms. “Daruka, please.” He cursed. “Stop all of these questions.”
She broke from his hold and rushed into the shadows of evening. In her wake, shame wagged an accusing finger at him. He had no right to talk to her as though she were a new recruit. She’d done him a tremendous favor in marrying him, even if she didn’t comprehend her sacrifice.
Ben waited nearly an hour before going after her. Suddenly he remembered a lion had been spotted near the village two nights before. Snatching up his rifle, he hurried to find his wife. A few years ago, he’d upset Larson, and she’d stepped too far from the village and into the path of a lion and a lioness. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
* * *
Larson sat at Paul’s computer in the clinic and read an email from her parents in Ohio.
Dear Larson and Paul,
We’ve taken the plunge and bought a computer. Actually, all we wanted was to send email to you. Our friends say you can send pictures through this cyberspace thing. Can you and Paul do that? We want to see what Thomas looks like. Can’t imagine our Larson with a tummy, but we want those pictures too.
We’re enjoying the Internet. Some of the things we read about Sudan are not what we want to hear. Do you two have any idea how dangerous it is there? Mercy, Larson. Haven’t you learned a thing since you snapped your leg trying to break a horse? You two can’t save the world, so why not get out of there? And how are you going to give birth in the jungle? Or is Paul planning to fly you into Nairobi when you go into labor?
My dear daughter, you used to make my hair gray. Now I fear it will all fall out. I’m sure that got a chuckle out of both of you. Please keep us posted on what’s happening—well, not all of it. Do you have guns? Never mind. I don’t want to know. But Daddy says to tell you if you do have a gun, keep it oiled and cleaned in case you need it.
Love,
Mom and Daddy
Larson laughed. If her parents had any idea what really happened in their daughter’s life, they’d send in a Special Forces team to yank all of them out of there. She’d never tell them about the brushes with death or the hardships, but she would tell them how much she loved Sudan.
Dear Mom and Daddy,
Paul flew into Nairobi today with a young man who’s been helping us at the clinic. His name is Santino, and he’s decided to attend the university there and needed to register for classes. I thought about going too, but the rainy season has brought me many extra patients.
I’m looking forward to the chocolate and Kenyan coffee my dear husband always brings me back. And I’m curious to see what he brings Thomas. Paul is hilarious with the baby. He talks to him as though he’s an adult and reads to him in Arabic and English.
The morning sickness has finally subsided. Now I suppose I’ll get fat. I don’t think I’ve gained much weight yet because my clothes still fit. Paul wants to take before and after pictures of my developing shape, so I’ll send them on to you, along with pictures of our precious Thomas Abraham.
Please consider making a trip to Nairobi after the baby arrives. Kenya is beautiful, almost as beautiful as our beloved Sudan, and we could take a safari.
Got to run now and get the clinic ready for the day.
Love,
Larson
“What does the computer say today?”
Larson swung around to see Sarah and waved. She clicked Send and sent the message to her parents into cyberspace. What a great feeling to be only a click away from Mom and Dad.
“A computer doesn’t say anything. It provides a way for people around the world to communicate and find information.”
Sarah walked to Larson’s side. She peered into the screen just as Larson shut it down. “Does it tell you how to make people well?”
“No, I had to go to school for many years to learn how to heal people. But it does help answer medical questions for me when I’m confused about a patient’s health. So I guess the answer is yes.”
“If I ask it a question, will it answer me?”
Larson nearly laughed, but she could hear the seriousness in Sarah’s voice. “What do you want to know?”
The old woman’s eyes narrowed, and she pressed her lips together.
“Sarah, is there a problem?”
“I think God doesn’t want me to use a computer. He is supposed to answer my prayers.”
“You’re right. He is. Do you want to talk about something? Is it Santino leaving?”
Sarah shook her head. “This is between God and me.”
“I can tell you’re upset. If there’s anything I can do, please let me help.”
“No, Larson. I have to do this my way.”
CHAPTER 20
Ben hurried through the village on the well-worn path his wife had used since her childhood. He envisioned her bare feet curling around the trodden grass and following where it led without a single thought. Attempting to ignore the excruciating torment in his back, he picked up speed and tightened his grip on the rifle barrel. He well remembered the young Daruka, who disappeared into the tall grass and forest when she had difficulty managing unpleasantness. Tonight he had been the cause of her distress.
If anything
happened to her, it would be his fault. Ben had heard the roar of a hungry lion during the past two nights. It lurked beyond the village’s tukuls, close enough to wake the bravest man from his sleep. The villagers had posted extra guards, and so far no one had been killed, but a lion had eaten one of the cows. The predator did its best hunting at night. Wildlife in Sudan had diminished with all the fighting, and the few animals remaining were hungry.
Ben wanted to believe Daruka would have left behind her girlish behavior of handling uncomfortable situations, but in this way she was still the fifteen-year-old girl he’d once known.
“Daruka.” Panic resounded in his voice.
He saw the line of village men who guarded the perimeters of Yar against predators, whether two-legged or four-legged. Even with their torches, they couldn’t see everything. That was what alarmed him the most.
“Daruka, don’t be foolish. A lion is out there. We can talk about this.”
He peered in every direction. His emotions had leaped beyond anger to worry.
A woman screamed to the right of him.
“Ben, help me!”
He whirled around and lifted his rifle, aiming into the monster of darkness. His heart hammered in his ears. Not Daruka. She stood for all the things in his life that were good—not as a sacrifice for his temper. Where did he shoot?
Shouts from the village guards and dancing torches moved in Daruka’s direction. They had spears but not guns.
“Is she safe?” Ben thrashed through the grass toward the men several meters away.
“Daruka is with us, but we have not found the lion.”
Relief instantly calmed him. “Thank you. I’m heading your way.” Ben stopped and took in a few deep breaths to still his heart and manage the pain in his back.
The grass rustled to the left of him. He inhaled the scent of lion—an animal he feared more than an outnumbered standoff with the GOS, though both went for the throat. The lion stalked within a few feet of him.