The next morning, I wait until my mother and Léa have left for their respective activities before dialing the colonel's number. My heart races as the ringing rings in my ear.
-Colonel Kai on the device, responds a deep and authoritative voice.
-Hello, Colonel. It's Thomas. I thought about it and... I accept the mission
There is a brief silence, then he continues, a tone of satisfaction in his voice. "Excellent choice, Miroy. We'll pick you up in a week. Until then, I advise you to get back in shape. Follow a strict training regime to be ready. We're counting on you.
I take note of his instructions, then hang up. I remain motionless for a moment, the phone still in my hand. A mixed feeling comes over me: part of me is terrified of what this mission could entail, but another part is determined, ready to do anything to change our lives.
I spend the rest of the day working, trying to concentrate despite my whirling thoughts. When I get home that evening, I do my best to smile in front of my mother and Léa.
-So, how was your day?, my mother asks, a worried look in her eyes.
-Well, mom, I said smiling, I thought about what we discussed last night. I'm going to prepare for this mission. They gave me a week to get back in shape.
She scans me, looking for clues to my true feelings, but I hold on.
-That's good, my son. Just be careful, okay?
-Promise, I answer, trying to put as much conviction as possible into my voice.
-Everything will be alright
During this week, I devote myself entirely to my preparation. I get up at dawn to run, do weight training, and train hard every day. At the same time going to work on the construction site.
In the evening, I come home exhausted, but I do my best to hide my fatigue and my worries behind reassuring smiles.
My mother and Léa seem to accept my explanations, although I sometimes see a glint of doubt in my mother's eyes. But I hold on, determined not to worry them further.
The day of departure approaches, and with it, tension rises. The day before their arrival, I spend a quiet evening with my family. We share a simple but warm meal, and I try to engrave each moment in my memory.
Before going to bed, I take Léa in my arms.
-I love you little sister. Take care of mom while I'm gone, okay?
She nods, her eyes shining with a few tears.
-I love you too, big brother. Take care of yourself.
I smiled at him, trying to hold back my own tears.
-I will do it.
-Big brother, she whines suddenly, do you really have to leave?
-Yes but I promise you that when I come back I will buy everything you ever wanted, I replied, my voice filled with emotion
That night, I slept little, but I knew I made the right decision. When morning comes, I'm ready. The army vehicle arrives on time, and I greet my mother and Léa one last time before boarding.
I don't know what this mission has in store for me, but I know why I'm doing it. For them, for us. And that's all that matters.