Chapter 12

My mind was in turmoil, reason and emotion warring as the children silently watched our heated exchange. Despair filled their eyes. The youngest huddled together, tiny hands clasped tightly, as if awaiting fate's final judgment. My heart melted at the sight. They had already endured so much—we couldn't send them back.

Taking a deep breath, I spoke quietly: "I'll help you. But I won't just find someone to take them. I'm staying here until they're all safely out."

Joseph froze, then shook his head vigorously. "No, it's too dangerous!"

I met his gaze, my voice firm. "And let you face this danger alone? If you don't agree, I'll walk out right now and tell them about the Huronai children you're hiding."

He glared at me through gritted teeth. "...You! I never should have involved you!"

"Too late," I shrugged. "You've already pulled me into this."

Joseph turned away angrily. I sighed, stepped closer, and wrapped my arms around his neck, forcing him to meet my eyes. "At least, in the worst case, we can die together."

He exploded. "Don't say that! That's not going to happen!"

Through the clear visor of his protective suit, I touched his face gently. "Of course not. After all, you promised—we still have to visit my mother."

Joseph's plan was nearly perfect. No one would dare touch bins containing Ebola-contaminated waste, let alone suspect they concealed people. We could smuggle out two children per trip. The truck would stop midway, where aid workers would transfer them to safety.

After two weeks, only two remained—siblings named Ray and Mary. The day of their planned escape, Joseph was elated. He looked at me with sincere gratitude. "Thank you, Zoey." I didn't respond, just squeezed his hand tightly.

Victory felt within reach. We even celebrated early. The children performed Igamara, a traditional Huronai dance, while Joseph prepared what could almost be called a feast. I captured everything on camera.

As night fell, the siblings began donning their protective suits. Mary held out a marker, asking softly, "Could you write your names on them?" Joseph and I exchanged surprised glances but agreed. I thought for a moment before adding beneath my name: "Grow up strong and well." Joseph wrote: "May you reunite with your family." I added: "May peace come soon." He followed with: "Until we meet again." We covered their suits with blessings until everyone's eyes brimmed with tears. The siblings embraced us, their voices muffled inside their suits: "We'll remember you forever! Thank you! You're our heroes!"

Late that night, the transport truck arrived on schedule. As usual, we settled the children into the waste bins and loaded them aboard. Just as we finished, gunfire erupted from the center's main hall.

Joseph and I exchanged tense looks before rushing toward the commotion. Armed militants had stormed the center, claiming they had intelligence about hidden Huronai children. Joseph stepped forward calmly, cooperating with their search. I followed closely, watching them kick down doors and ransack rooms, my breath caught in my throat.

Finding nothing, they hurled threats and prepared to leave. But as the last man reached the door, a shout rang out: "The truck that just left!"

The militants erupted in curses and stormed out. The final man stopped suddenly, unleashing an enraged roar as he yanked a grenade from his belt and hurled it into the center of the hall.

Time seemed to slow. I watched the grenade trace its lazy arc downward. I saw the horror bloom on the other doctors' faces. I saw Joseph's expression harden with determination as he lunged toward me. In the instant before detonation, he threw himself over me, pressing me to the ground and shielding me with his body.

"No!! Joseph!!" I shouted.