"Aunt please tell me all that I heard is not true, was I adopted?"
Seeing how my auntie couldn't speak answered my question but I still refused to believe so I ran home to confirm everything Crystal said from Dad.
My dad's response was more hurting so I decided to be rude because of the pain I was feeling. I was lost and it felt like everyone was against me. I went back to my aunt since that was the only place to reside even though I couldn't trust her again, I knew she loved me.
I decided to give up on everything in my life but Bela hated the fact that I was wasting my life on things that were in the past.
"J I know things have been bad this year but I believe you are stronger than the world, remember your mom loved you. It didn't matter whether she adopted you, she accepted you and took you as her own."
After our conversation, I came to my senses, remembered all the bad things I said to my mum, and cried all night. I went to my auntie to tell me about my mom. It was an amazing story so I decided to be like her and adopt a child but one thing changed. Not to trust men again and not depend on my dad.
I had to stay home because I didn't have the funds to go to college. I worked hard for two years to get some funds and with my auntie's help, I started medical school. Bela went abroad to study law but we still heard from each other and she visited during vacation.
I had 4 successful years in medical school majoring in cardiothoracic and started my internship program at the university's hospital. After a year I decided to leave my auntie's since my residency program was outside town, she was sad but very proud I grew up to be a medical doctor.
I found a new place near the coast, it was quiet and peaceful. I was about to start my residency the following week at St. Mary University Hospital, so I took the initiative to visit the hospital before starting. The hospital was huge and I was new to the place so I decided to explore one early morning.
While enjoying the hospital's view I came across a man. Although his eyes were bright, his wrinkled face made me realize he was in his late 50s. "Sir, how can I help you asked?"
"Are you a doctor?"
"No please, I just finished my internship and will start my residency at this hospital soon."
"Can you help me with 50 dollars to buy lunch, I have been here the whole day but anyone I approach ignores me calling me a beggar."
Staring at the man I asked myself, should I help him? Why did everyone ignore him? I am sure there was a good reason, Maybe he is a lazy man trying to get money the easy way moreover I don't trust men anymore so I replied to him saying,
"Sir please I don't have any money on me since I am new here and things have been a little difficult but sir why are you not working?"
"I know I am not too old to work but I was jinxed with a weak heart so anytime I try to work I end up in the hospital."
Hearing his story, I took him to the hospital's cafeteria and made him choose any dish he wanted. I sat with him as he ate the food and it was so sad to see him eat; there was no word to explain how he ate "Eat slowly sir". I patiently waited and offered to take him home but he said "My daughter I sleep under the bridge across the street"
I offered him a place to sleep at my new place but he rejected saying he didn't want to disturb my peace so we said our goodbyes after walking him to the bridge. The place was bad so I kept worrying about him. I went there mostly after work to visit and to buy food so we ate together, I got to know a lot about him during that time and learned a lot from his advice and teachings. It was a miracle to meet a man like him, the poor man with pride I always call him.
After 3 years in internal medicine residency, I continued my Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship which took me five years. I saved enough money to get him a house after my fellowship since he refused to move in with me all those years.
I went under the bridge one Friday after work to give him the good news but he was not in his tent. I asked around about his whereabouts but no one had the answer I needed. Tears falling down my eyes I kept looking around the area with the fear something bad had happened to him.
I knew he loved me so there was no way he could leave without telling me, I kept asking myself questions. My search continued for a week with the help of my mates we searched and even went to the police to ask for help.
The policeman said to my face "We don't search for the homeless, he is either dead or relocated elsewhere" I nearly slapped him in the uniform but I had to hold back because I didn't want to be detained.
I applied to work as a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Mary's University Hospital. I was called for an interview. I prepared myself for the interview, it had been a week and there was no news about his whereabouts, I was not too sure if I was ready for the interview. I got to the hospital all dressed up waiting patiently to be called by the panel.
I walked into the room to face the panel. They asked me a series of questions, and I answered each one to the best of my ability, making sure not to show any hint of sorrow or bitterness. However, one of the professors, Professor Alex, seemed to see through my pretense. Perhaps I wasn't as good at hiding my emotions as I thought. He looked at me thoughtfully and asked, "Jasmine, are you okay?" I took a deep breath and replied calmly, "I'm fine, Professor Alex."
The interview went well, and I was hopeful to receive good feedback in the coming days. But my mind couldn't fully rest my thoughts were consumed with the worry of not finding my old man. Despite awaiting big news from the hospital, I never gave up on the search.
A week later, I received the job offer, but the joy of the accomplishment was bittersweet. I couldn't shake the emptiness I felt from missing him. During my free time, I would go back to the place, hoping for any sign that he had returned. A month passed with no word, but I remained determined, unwilling to give up the search.
I entered the operating room with my mentor, ready to assist, but when the surgery began, I froze. The thought of the old man overwhelmed me, and I couldn't move. My mentor noticed and immediately kicked me out of the room, later reporting the incident to the disciplinary committee.
I was called in for questioning right after lunch. I explained myself and answered their questions, but deep down, I knew it would be hard to avoid the consequences, especially since I had no one to speak up for me.
I was fired the next morning, I was a little shocked but not sad because I still needed to find my old man.
I went to the hospital during the weekend to collect the stuff I had there during my fellowship, I didn't want to be seen by my colleagues so I took the elevator at the right corner to the parking lot. After picking up my bag I stood in front of the same elevator ready to head down and escape peacefully. The elevator door opened, and my eyes could not believe the magic in front of me.
It was him, but not in this world. His skin radiated a soft glow, his face looked as fresh and youthful as a man in his early twenties, and he was clad in shimmering golden armor. Overcome with joy, I dropped my bag and rushed to embrace him, needing to feel the reality of the moment, to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
"Jasmine, I want to show you my world."
I followed him with questions in mind but wanted to see his world first before I started asking them. I couldn't explain the joy and the shock, we arrived at his villa and it was more than a palace. My jaw dropped with a lot of questions running through my brain.
"Jasmine I know you have many questions but first let's get something to eat, Nicolas! Nicolas!!"
"Yes Dad, I am coming please"
"Wait I know that voice, I recognize that voice."
"Do you know my son?"
"No sir but the voice looked familiar, I am sure I was overthinking."
"Dad welcome back."
"Hell no, NICHOLAS!! What are you doing here?"