After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage By Cassila K

Chapter 34

Since then, we quickly became familiar with each other.

Joseph was extremely popular. His medical skills were exceptional, and he was incredibly reliable during critical moments. At the same time, he was humorous and always managed to make everyone around him laugh. With him around, even my interview subjects would become more talkative, willingly sharing more than they normally would.

I enjoyed being around him.

One day, I was following him as he sprayed cholera prevention chemicals around the camp. Suddenly, a sharp cry for help came from an empty tent. We rushed over and pulled back the flap, revealing a man pinning a young girl to the ground, tearing at her clothes.

My face turned cold instantly, and I rushed forward to push the man away. He stumbled back but quickly regained his balance, cursing as he raised his fist to strike me.

Before he could land a blow, Joseph pulled me behind him, shielding me from harm, and held up his work ID.

"If you don't want to lose access to medical care, you'd better leave now!"

The man hesitated, his gaze landing on the red cross on Joseph's badge. Muttering curses under his breath, he hastily pulled up his pants and fled.

We took the girl to the UNHCR office and requested that they relocate her to another tent. After everything was settled, Joseph patted my shoulder gently and said, "Don't be upset. You did well."

a moment. "I'm

and crime often accompany refugee camps, something I'd long been

and

caught me off guard. I raised a hand to touch my face, as

my cheeks. "Your emotions aren't just written on your

then on, every time we met, he'd observe me for a few seconds before commenting, "You're in a good mood today," or "Who

help but laugh, both exasperated and amused. "How do you

he replied with a smirk, "I have a younger brother,

mention of family made my smile falter, and

asked hesitantly. "Don't

expression turned calm, almost indifferent, as he shook his head. "We've

Why?" I

His voice carried a note of resignation. "They were incredibly controlling. Growing up, they forced me to do this and that, and if I ever resisted,

and got a job at a hospital. But it was never enough—they kept pushing me to climb higher, to make

glory. But I didn't want that

what being