by DiAnn Mills
“Matthew Bol, and my daughter’s name is Lydia.” His knees buckled, and Santino grasped his waist before he fell.
“I’ll do my best for Lydia. She is very ill.”
“Did the mosquitoes cause this?” Matthew leaned on Santino, who helped him to a chair.
“I imagine so. Once we have your daughter feeling better, I’ll come to your village with medicine to help the others.”
“Thank you. Most of the sick are children.”
Larson needed to get to the village before more people became sick.
* * *
Ben squirmed in the hospital bed. What was taking Paul so long to pick him up? He should have arrived hours ago. Ben had been in this godforsaken hole too long. Everything about it was depressing, but he’d learned a bit of good news. Dr. Khamati wanted him to take chemotherapy medication along with another drug that had achieved some success in treating his type of cancer. The downside was he needed to return to the hospital every four weeks for three days of treatment. What kind of excuse could he give Daruka and his men? Ben had told so many lies he feared he’d catch himself in one of his own. The thought should have been funny, but it sounded pathetic to him.
He rubbed his hands across his head. The chemo he’d taken in the hospital had already begun to thin his hair. Something else to explain to people. Larson would probably take one look at him and diagnose the big “C.” In her next breath, she’d tear into him for not coming to her in the first place. Hard enough loving a woman he couldn’t have. Why have her feel sorry for him too?
Ben missed his home—the open land, the wildlife, the birds that awakened him each morning, and the simplicity of life his people had known for centuries. And he wanted to head back. Right now. So where was Paul?
Ben closed his eyes. He dreamed of a peaceful village with laughing children playing beside gardens not filled with land mines, and water wells free of contamination. He was a warlord, once hungry for the next firefight, now ready to live out the remainder of his days in the land he’d fought so hard to keep free. Impending death gave a man a new perspective. The doctor might offer hope, but truth was truth. It would take a miracle to prolong his pain-filled days.
“Ready to get out of here?”
At the sound of Paul’s voice, Ben opened his eyes. “Ready and packed. Let’s go.”
“I’ve already picked up your prescriptions and talked to the doctor.”
Ben scowled. “I’m not in need of a daddy.”
“But you do need a keeper. You’re not going to like this, but Dr. Khamati insists upon seeing you tomorrow afternoon.”
Ben swung his legs to the floor. “You can be a real pain in the rear.”
“Let’s reminisce about the times you not only were a pain in the rear but you also kicked mine.”
Ben lifted a brow. “I’m so glad to get out of here, I’m not going to argue about tomorrow.”
Paul picked up a small bag holding Ben’s personal belongings, and the two headed for the elevator.
“Tomorrow is supposed to be a clear day for flying.”
The elevator door opened, and the two men stepped inside with two nurses.
“Wonderful.” Ben took a deep breath. “If it storms, we’re flying anyway. Oh, what did you tell Daruka about my absence?”
“That you were in special meetings in Nairobi. The same story I told Okuk. I said you’d arrive in Yar in two days. I’m now officially a liar.”
“I’ve got to tell her something. I now have four different bottles of pills.” Ben watched the floor numbers descend to the lobby. “You kept this to yourself?”
“I gave you my word. But I don’t like keeping anything from Larson. Look, Ben, one of us has to tell her. I’m thinking she could administer some of these treatments without your coming back to Nairobi.”
“No.” Ben’s voice bounced off the elevator walls, and the nurses startled. “I can’t. Not yet. Maybe never.”
“She’s already talked to me about how bad you look.”
“I’ll wear makeup.”
The door opened. “You’re a stubborn fool.”
“I’m in good company. Now do you want to know every detail about your brother’s visit?”
“Absolutely. He’s coming to Warkou five days after Santino’s party. He said he was flying in, and he’d be by himself. We’d talked about California, but if he has plans to kill me, it doesn’t matter where I am.”
“I’ll be there—with the entire Rhino Battalion.”
“Good. I’ll have Larson and Thomas at a hotel here in Nairobi. Since I’m going through with seeing my brother, I don’t want to worry about my family.”
CHAPTER 28
On the third morning after Matthew and Lydia Bol had first entered the clinic, Larson decided to visit their remote village. They were progressing well, and Sarah could administer their medicine. Larson loaded the yellow fever vaccine into the backseat of the Hummer along with mosquito netting, antibiotics, and miscellaneous medications to help treat the headaches and chills of the disease. Into another box, she tucked medicine to treat malaria. She’d strongly supported a humanitarian organization from the States that shipped boxes of mosquito netting to combat the many diseases caused by the insect. Where there were mosquitoes, diseases multiplied.
Larson drove west with Santino, passing a herd of graceful gazelles and moving on through tall grass. The twisted trunk of an umbrella acacia tree, a symbol of Africa, seemed to summon all those who sought relief from the scorching temperatures. As they neared the tree, a leopard stretched out on one of its branches—a rare sighting since the animal preferred the night. Remembering the gazelles behind her, she realized the leopard was checking out its next meal. How she loved this country and all of its inhabitants.
And how thankful she was for the Hummer’s air-conditioning.
“How long will it take to get to the village?” Impatience edged Santino’s words. “And how long do you think we’ll be there?”
“I know where it’s located, but I’m not sure of the name—if the village has one. It’ll take us about five hours. I want to examine those who are sick, administer the vaccine, and see anyone who is ill. I’d like to give a training class for the women too.”
“Health and hygiene?”
“Yeah. It’s designed so the women can use what they have to keep their families healthy. I’d appreciate it if you could search out their water supply for me. Providing there is a need for a well, I could talk to Paul about contacting Living Water to drill one for them. The organization makes regular trips to Sudan. In answer to your question, we’ll be here possibly three days if we work hard.”
By late afternoon, the Hummer had arrived at an area where she counted eight tukuls. In the near distance, a forest caught her attention. Lydia Bol must have gotten too close to the forest and the disease-infected insects. Larson would treat the children first.
She and Santino eased from the truck. The people were curious but stayed their distance.
“I am Dr. Farid, and this man is Santino Deng,” she said in Dinka. “Matthew Bol brought his daughter Lydia to me. Both were sick, but they are doing much better. Matthew told me about others here who are sick with a disease caused by the mosquito. I have medicine to help you.”
Her announcement initially brought suspicion, but when she mentioned Matthew again, a woman stepped forward and said her two sons were ill.
“Take me to them.” Larson grabbed her medicine bag. “Santino, please bring the vaccines.”
He nodded, and she followed the tall woman, just as she’d followed concerned mothers so many times over the past nearly eleven years. The remainder of the afternoon was spent treating those infected with various diseases. So many children were ill. Santino distributed the food supplies and aided her with injections. She saw the village’s source of water, a murky river containing everything but clean, pure water. It all reminded her of why she’d stayed in Sudan and why she hated to leave.
“H
elp me spread the news about a class for these women.” Larson counted the number of vials left for yellow fever. Wonderful. She had plenty. “Tell them it will be in the morning by the river.”
“I don’t think they’re smart enough to grasp what they need to know.”
Shocked, she bit back a retort. “Never underestimate what grassroots education can accomplish. These women don’t want their families sick, and neither do I. Good health and hygiene start here among those who can make a difference.”
The next morning on the riverbank, Larson stood with her backpack beside her. About a dozen women of all ages sat to listen. She’d given this talk a hundred times, and its simplicity saved lives.
“Thank you for coming this morning,” she began. “I want to tell you how to keep you and your family from getting sick. My friend Santino said there is good water about an hour from here. Make sure you put it in a clean container. When you bring it back to your village, boil it. That destroys the things in the water making people sick. If you are caring for someone who has diarrhea, make sure they drink lots of the boiled water and eat food. The sick person also needs some salt and sugar in the boiled water.” Larson reached into her backpack and pulled out an oral rehydration solution spoon. “This is called an ORS spoon. The smaller scoop is to measure salt, and the larger one is for sugar. I have plenty of these for all of you. Make sure you use no more salt than the small scoop, or it could be very bad for the sick person.”
She stared into their faces. Oh, how she respected their determination to understand what she was telling them. Blinking back the tears, she realized how very hard it would be not to live among these treasured people.
Santino waved to her, and she waved back.
“I’ll be right there as soon as I pass out these ORS spoons and answer their questions.”
He frowned. Santino needed to learn patience. Odd she hadn’t seen this side of him before. He desperately needed the trait to lead his people.
* * *
Paul taxied down the runway at Wilson Airport with Ben beside him. It would be late evening when they arrived in Warkou, but he could help Sarah with the yellow fever patients and care for Thomas. Going home without Larson there saddened him, but she’d return the same day he took Ben back to Yar. Maybe this aspect of the situation was good. Ben preferred to avoid her, and the sooner he dealt with his feelings for Larson and gave them to Daruka, the better.
Soon the two men were soaring through a clear blue sky. Paul loved the thrill of flying, the sense of weightlessness, as though his craft and the countless birds of the earth had a secret. Today he flew lower than usual.
“Hey, take a look to your right.” Paul pointed to a small parade of elephants.
Ben grinned. “Since the peace treaty, the wildlife has been moving back into Sudan. Someone must have told them the gunfire had ceased.” He shrugged. “I read in a Kenyan newspaper the drought has drawn them into our borders. Whatever the reason, the idea of our animals no longer facing extinction or a mass exodus is good.”
“I’d like to see the South set aside some national parks for the wildlife like President Museveni did in Uganda, possibly large safari camps like Kenya’s Masai Mara or like those in Tanzania.”
“We will. I’d much rather see a tourist trade instead of the influx of missionaries.”
Paul laughed. “I sure hope the peace lasts. Seems like I can feel the pressure lifting.”
“An old fighting machine like me lives for war. We don’t know anything else. But I don’t want Daruka and David to live through any more of it.”
“Ben, you’d be a great asset to the government in Juba.”
“I’ve heard that before, but my days are limited.”
“We’ll see.”
Ben leaned forward. “Look at those wildebeests. Must be fifty thousand of them.”
Paul peered down at the strange-looking creatures. “I wouldn’t want to get in the way of them running.”
“Me either. I had a round with a few hippos once. Tried to overturn a boat.” Ben laughed long and hard.
“I haven’t heard you laugh hard in a long time.”
“Life gave me a bad hand.”
“Not for long. You can draw again.”
“Hard for me to believe you aren’t preaching.” Ben watched the wildebeests. Maybe he was envious of their freedom.
“I could, but I’d rather live it.”
“I’m taking a nap.” He crossed his arms over his chest and stared out his side of the plane. No doubt Ben felt Paul had a sermon in him.
He couldn’t remember Ben ever talking this freely and easily. But he liked it. Cancer had given the man a unique perspective. “I’d like to fund David’s education.”
Ben sighed. “I appreciate what you did for Rachel, finding a place for her to live in California and getting her settled into college.”
“I’ll continue to take care of her.”
“I’m thanking you for something already done, not something I’m asking or expecting for the future.”
Paul cringed. “You’re welcome. I’m glad to do whatever I can for you and your family.”
“Thanks. Now I’m getting some sleep before we land.”
* * *
Ben had a strange feeling about bringing Daruka and David to Warkou for Santino’s celebration, but it was important for Larson to include everyone who knew the young man, and Ben didn’t want to come alone. He thought he could handle seeing her until he caught sight of the balanite trees that stood sentinel outside Warkou. He slowed the truck. Memories of Larson flew to the front of his mind, and he despised himself for it.
“I sense coming here makes you uncomfortable.” Daruka’s whispered words cut through to his soul.
“I’m sorry.” He grasped her hand at his side. What else could he say? He’d been touched by this woman beside him, but he feared she’d realize he loved Larson or learn about his health before he was ready to tell her. David sat on the passenger side, or Ben might have been tempted to tell her the truth about his health.
Daruka had never ventured outside of Yar, but she was not ignorant. Ben marveled at her insight and wisdom. He saw how quickly she caught on to English, and she’d taught herself arithmetic. He instinctively knew that if he took her to a huge, contemporary city, she’d soon fit in. Daruka was much too smart for her husband. Even though she never mentioned his pills, he was certain she’d put the pieces together.
“This Dr. Farid, would she have time to see me today?” Daruka said.
Ben sensed panic needling his composure. “I imagine you could ask her. Are you ill?”
She smiled. “No. Not at all.”
He relaxed. For a moment he’d feared Daruka knew the truth—all the dark, ugly things about him. Most times he believed his past had brought on the cancer. Retribution.
All of Warkou celebrated with Santino. The village women had prepared plenty of food and set it on long tables in the clinic. A cow had been roasted, and there were huge kettles of ugali, tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, and many fruits. The rains attempted to spoil the soccer and racing games, but the men and boys played anyway—even Paul. Ben watched David compete with the other young men, proud to call the boy his son.
Ben glanced around and saw Daruka had slipped away. Her wanting to see Larson had agitated him all afternoon. His gaze swept the area. Larson was not around either. Once the soccer game ended, he went in search of his wife, dreading what she might have learned.
Then he spotted the two together talking in the corner of the clinic. Too many scenarios pounded in his brain. When he walked closer, he saw the women were smiling. Ben still wasn’t relieved.
“There he is.” Larson laughed. “We were just talking about you.”
Daruka covered her mouth and giggled. “I have an announcement.”
“What is it?” Ben feigned excitement.
“We are going to have a baby. I thought it might be too soon to tell, but the test is positive.”
> Ben thought he’d stepped on a land mine. That would have felt better than knowing he’d fathered another child. A child he might possibly never see.
“Are you happy?” Daruka said.
“Of course.” He forced a smile and wrapped his arm around her waist. The gesture was the answer to all of his unsure responses.
Paul ambled to Larson’s side. Sweat from the soccer game streamed from his body. He had two bottles of water—one to drink and one to pour over his face. After cooling himself inside and out, he kissed his wife on the cheek. Ben glanced at Daruka. Some things were simply too painful to bear.
“Ben and Daruka have good news,” Larson said.
“Another reason to celebrate.” Paul pulled another bottle of water from his pocket and handed it to his wife.
“We’re going to have a baby,” Daruka said.
Paul extended his hand to Ben and smiled. “Congratulations, old man. Our children will be less than a year apart.”
Ben met Paul’s gaze and forced another smile. “Thanks. Our children will grow up together.” If I live that long.
CHAPTER 29
Exhausted, Larson lay on the pallet she shared with Paul and let all the wonderful memories of Santino’s celebration fill her mind. Except one. Ben looked worse every time she saw him. Suspicion crept across her mind. Her old friend was dying—his gray complexion and loss of weight confirmed her fears. And Paul probably knew it. What else had those two been doing in Nairobi? Why hadn’t she the guts to confront either of them? And why wouldn’t Ben allow her to help?
She wished sleep would carry her away before Thomas awoke or daylight reminded her of the work ahead. Glancing at Paul, she realized he was awake too.
“Daruka told me Ben is taking four different kinds of pills.”
“Oh.”
“Paul Farid, don’t you ‘oh’ me. You’ve taken him back and forth from Nairobi and evaded every conversation about his health.”