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Chapter 12 - MAN IS TO SUFFER

John's annual leave was coming to an end, and he was expected to report too soon. He had been on annual leave for four weeks now. He knew that he was going to miss his wife but had no option but to leave. John had to lead a security operation in the northern part of the country. Although the mission was risky, he had no option but to attend.

Before leaving, he called his wife Soraya for a conversation. He told Soraya that he was going into war and did not know if he would come back alive or dead. The statement terrified the wife, who persuaded him to ignore his duty if that was the case. But his duty was like a calling, he just had to go. But before he left, the wife asked him to kneel down for a word of prayer. The wife then offered a detailed prayer request, entailing protection, provision and thanksgiving. She then hugged her husband warmly and said goodbye.

John traveled through the hilly part of the country, struggling to catch up with time. He was supposed to arrive at his office before eight o'clock. Despite all those struggles, he finally arrived at the office five minutes lates. He met Mike at the entrance of his office. Mike was one of his colleagues and a friend too. Mike maintained a smiling face that prompted John to think twice. Why would he put on such a smile at this particular time of the day? Or he might just be having his happy moments. But John knew that the smile had a hidden meaning. It was not usual for him to put on a smile at that very time of the day. The morning hours were normally busy, and the officers were normally engaged.

John knew very well that he had gone viral the previous day after being caught with a lady somewhere. He knew very well that Mike was having that thought while at that particular time. That is why he was smiling. He was very lucky to say, because if Mike could open his mouth to talk, obviously he would have to make fun of him. John ignored everything and pretended to be engaged in other office duties. He did not want a conversation of any kind.

Mike started a conversation that did not mean well with John. He was determined to make fun of his friend. But John refrained from such a conversation. He had undergone psychological torture and was trying to heal. But Mike's consistent remarks made his fury grow to the brim. John was determined now to end the conversation, whether it would end their relationship or not.

 "Congratulations my dear friend, you are a hero indeed. What you did define a good person, and it would be unfair if I did not acknowledge your accomplishments. I was just watching my television after a very tiresome day only to find you being covered live. That alone means a lot. A good person tied with sisal ropes with a beautiful lady besides you! You made my day for sure. I remained laughing the whole day in disbelief. Congratulations again again to my longtime friend (This time laughing).

John felt upset. He could not entertain his friend anymore. He stood up (now roaring like a lion) ready to fight the friend. His eyes, now turning as red as blood, had no more but to fight. That is when Mike realized that the friend was not comfortable with his joke and must have been really hurt. 

The fight between the two friends began. None of them were willing to lose the battle. John being a skilled military personnel member with recommendable experience, he was able to handle his friend in a cruel manner. Mike could not endure it anymore. He had to run for his safety as the fight was escalating to a higher undesirable level. That is how Mike escaped from the friend who was determined to finish him completely. 

Although Mike had saved himself from the jaws that seemed to crave his blood, he was left seriously injured. His face was full of blood oozing at an alarming rate. He had to sneak to a nearby dispensary to receive first aid attention. He had to spend quite some time before he could return to work. He thought about how he could best handle the situation. He thought of going to report John to the disciplinary committee but had to refrain from such action. He feared that he could also be found on the wrong side after a thorough investigation. Also, he knew that John had a young family and reporting him to the disciplinary committee would attract negative consequences that could see him lose his job. So, he just had to cover the matter, but had to be careful when dealing with him again.

The military had strict guidelines and anyone who broke any had to face it rough. John, realizing the mistake he had made, tried to reach Mike in an attempt to reconcile. Mike did not give him a chance to reconcile. The moment John got where Mike was, he would just wake up and walk away. They had to be like secret enemies.