“No, u won’t die Akino”
“I am scared, Father”
“Just trust me son” saying that the Fr. Johns bent down and grabbed Akino’s hands.
The thick-dark forests of Africa presented a dark ambience to the whole village. Akino lied beside the so-called-road, keeping his eyes shut. Akino felt lonely but the pain helped him to overcome the loneliness. He owned nothing but leprosy. The blend of blood and pus almost made it difficult to recognize him.
He was dying.
Akino looked up to catch a glimpse of the father. The one who came to him to deliver peace.
“Please be away from me father, take care of yourself”
Father laughed as a reply while sitting near to him, dabbing his wounds.
“Come with me”
Akino gave a dubious look at father. But the smiling face of father encouraged him.
Akino stood up, may be after months, leaning over the shoulder’s of father.
*** *** ***
The island of L’espoir was crowded, though it was at the middle of the ocean, abandoned by even the beasts. Everyone in that island had a common thing within them, leprosy. The missionaries visited each and every person in the island with the medicine of love. They created a different world.
“This will be your new home”
Akino felt so relaxed, loved.
“This is our new inmate. Akino Sravenk” father introduced him to the other missionaries, putting his hand over his shoulders.
** ** **
“But Fr. Johns, why such a decision?”
“There are so many other people, who need help”
“But you can do it from here father”
“I trust you. Island of L’espoir will be safe with you.”
There was silence. Nobody could imagine the island without Fr. Johns. But the decision was his.
** ** **
“May I help you”
“No” answer was real quick and husky.
He was lying under the canopy of a tree, frozen. He was severely affected by leprosy. The sky-capped trees seemed had been protecting him. The missionary had a glance at him. He was lean, tired and was reluctant to look up at him.
“Listen, we are going to the island of L’espoir”
The missionary noticed a sudden jerk of the person when he said the name, L’espoir.
“Leave me alone, I m not coming”
“Yes you are.” Saying that the missionary took his face in his palms.
He was taken aback while seeing his face.
“Fr. Johns, you?!!”
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