When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past (Zoey) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 

I resumed my work as a doctor. 

Three years later, the situation in the Nyara Republic had deteriorated beyond imagination. Armed groups had expanded their territory to unprecedented levels. Food crises, cholera outbreaks, sexual violence, and kidnappings had become endless cycles of suffering. This 

land seemed truly forsaken. 

Each day, witnessing the hellish reality around me, I questioned whether Doctors Without Borders was extending hope or merely prolonging suffering. 

Months later, Adam told me he had located five children from that group, including Ray and Mary. They had escaped successfully that day and now lived with relatives in Kisangani. 

This news was like a breath of fresh air. I rushed to meet them. 

As soon as my car reached the meeting point, Mary ran out and threw herself into my arms, 

eyes brimming with tears. “Zoey!! You finally came!” 

She had grown tall, blossoming into a young woman. Looking anxiously at the car, she 

asked, “Where’s Doctor Joseph? Why didn’t he come?” 

I hesitated. “He’s too busy.” 

Mary’s fingers tightened immediately. “…Has something happened to him?” 

Children who have witnessed death are particularly sensitive to vague answers. 

I shook my head reassuringly. “No, he’s fine. Let me show you.” 

scrolled through my phone but found no pictures of Joseph. I had stored them all away on my computer at home, unable to bear looking at them. At the very end, I found a photo of Jackson in his white coat, reading medical records under warm lamplight. The resemblance to Joseph was striking. 

When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past 

face lit up when she saw it. She jumped with joy, pulling her brother over. “I want to 

doctor tool” 

The other children joined in: “Me too!” “I want to heal people!” 

1 gently patted their heads and turned to the quiet boy. “What about you, Ray? What do you 

want to do?” 

Ray glanced at my camera shyly, “…I want to be a journalist.” 

I was stunned. 

“I want to show the world those who are suffering. If people can see them, maybe someone will help…” 

Fighting back tears, I gathered them all in my arms. If Joseph were here, he would be so proud. 

Before leaving, I gave Ray my compact camera and left Joseph’s stethoscope and books with 

Mary and the others. Their faces glowed with excitement. 

These children, despite living in hardship, still reached for a bright future through their 

scars. Just as Joseph had said, “Where there’s hope, there’s a future.” 

Months passed. My search for Joseph’s body proved fruitless. I visited the forest countless times, but the darkness of that night had left me disoriented. Eventually, I had to accept 

defeat. 

I began documenting Joseph’s story on Instagram, going through old photos. Many details had grown hazy after three years. Initially, I did it fearing I might forget more, but unexpectedly, the posts went viral. 

Comments flooded in from people wanting to know more. Former patients recognized him. 

Doctor Joseph was amazing. When my mother became confused during her illness, he never lost patience.” 

“Fe performed magic tricks for my daughter. The director scolded him for playing cards!” 

When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past