Fated to the full Moon

Under the vast blue skies of East Africa, I see not only endless stretches of arid deserts and lush tropical grasslands but also a complex tapestry of unrest, tribal conflicts, and epidemics that have plagued the region for over a century. This land, with its breathtaking beauty, hides deep scars of suffering that challenge my resilience as a medical professional.

My white coat, once pristine, is now stained with a disturbing mixture of blood and dirt. It no longer resembles the angelic garments that symbolize hope and healing; instead, it conveys a silent plea for help, a stark reminder of the grim reality facing those who seek care.

A significant outbreak of the virus, a frightening variant of the Ebola virus, is currently sweeping through East Africa. Dedicated teams from Doctors without Borders are valiantly battling the epidemic on this unforgiving terrain, but the situation remains dire. The saying goes that a clever woman can't cook without fire, and here, the lack of medical resources and supplies proves just as crippling. Essential medications are not just hard to find-they are prohibitively expensive. The local government, grappling with its own limitations, simply cannot afford the life-saving treatments. While MSF has managed to provide some medications, it remains but a drop in the ocean of need.

As a doctor, I face an unbearable reality: I must watch countless patients infected with the virus struggle on the precipice of life and death, their hopes extinguished by the absence of effective medicine. This profound sorrow weighs heavily on my conscience, a stark reminder of my limitations in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Leaning against a weathered wooden post, I gaze up at the stars twinkling above the East African night sky. Suddenly, a bittersweet smile spreads across my face as I turn to Edward, who stands quietly behind me. "You know what?" I say, my voice laced with a mixture of determination and despair. "This is the second time I've felt this level of helplessness, even as a doctor."

Edward immediately understands that I'm referencing the last time we faced such despair, recalling the man named Jared and the indescribable bond we shared. In that moment, all he can do is sigh deeply, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and giving it a reassuring shake.

I pat his shoulder in return, signalling that I'm okay, and continue, "We can't go on like this. Without the necessary medicine, we might as well be immortals standing idly by-unable to save anyone."

"Matthew has gone to coordinate with the organization. He should be able to secure some funding and local government subsidies. With a bit of luck, we might gather enough resources, but those specific drugs are truly exorbitant," Edward responds, his brow furrowed with concern.

At that moment, a frail old man approaches and waves to us, his movement's slow but determined. I hop off the railing and enter Matthew's modest tent, Edward following closely behind.

"It has been approved; the government funds should be allocated within a week. Rickie, you will leave tomorrow to purchase the much-needed medicines," Matthew announces, handing us the approval documents with a sense of urgency.

"I understand that most specific drugs are manufactured in Ascot Ridge, but their prices are shockingly high. Even if we place a large order, it's challenging to negotiate lower costs when demand is so critical," I express my concerns, my voice tinged with frustration. Matthew sighs, nodding in agreement.

"We'll head to Ascot Ridge first. The number of patients here is overwhelming, and without those specific drugs, we can't treat them effectively. While alternative medications might not provide immediate results, they can help manage the progression of the disease. If we encounter obstacles in Ascot Ridge, we may need to explore options back in Freedonia," the old professor, wise and weathered, suggests his tone firm yet compassionate.

Without wasting any time, I return to my tent, eager to prepare for the journey ahead. I start sorting through my belongings, realizing with a pang of sadness that I have little to take with me-just the portable inspection instrument I always carry and a single, worn pair of jeans. The conditions here are appalling, and in my effort to help the local residents, I have given away many of my possessions, leaving me with only a small backpack.

Determined to make the most of my resources, I purchase a plane ticket to  Ascot Ridge, and send a message to William and a few friends before boarding the flight. "My plane will arrive tomorrow," I text, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

The response comes swiftly: "I finally know you're back! Come directly to me-John is here too." A smile spreads across my face at the mention of John, a friend I have missed dearly. I quickly send another message: "Let's meet for a drink."

After tucking my phone away, I prepare for the long flight ahead-more than ten hours in the air, each minute filled with thoughts of the work awaiting me. Upon landing, I head straight to an ATM, retrieve a card from my wallet, and check my balance, feeling a sense of satisfaction at the figure displayed. After graduation, I and a few colleagues established an offshore medical institution abroad, catering to the middle and upper classes. Although my income could not compete with that of larger companies, it was sufficient for my needs, and I planned to allocate most of it to purchase essential medicines.

As I put the card away, I notice another black gold card tucked in my wallet. I know that the funds in it are many times greater than those in my own card, but I hesitate to use it. That card represents the monthly financial support from Azriel, a friend who has always been there for me. With a deep breath, I dismiss the thought and secure my wallet, taking a taxi to William's villa.

Meanwhile, in an antique courtyard in Z country, a man wearing a dark gray sweater sits on a low couch by the floor-to-ceiling window. His handsome face appears gaunt, too thin from the burdens he carries. A blanket of the same colour covers his legs, providing some comfort as he gazes quietly at the snow falling outside. The tea simmering on the stove nearby emits a soothing sound, a small moment of peace in his otherwise troubled mind.