(3) THE MERCILESS.

afra

( SUB : RR-7246

DESIGNATION: JOSEPH "THE MERCILESS"

HEIGHT: 6 FEET 1 INCHES

PROFESSION: STREET FIGHTER

CURRENT PERSONALITY TRAIT: HUMBLE AND KIND

COMBAT STYLES: HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT, STREET BOXING

ATTRIBUTES:

- HIGH PHYSICAL PROWESS

- HEIGHTENED AWARENESS

- STRONG MORAL CODE

- RESOLUTE CHARACTER

- DEVOTED HUSBAND

- PROFOUND FAITH IN GOD

CURRENT OBJECTIVE: SEEKING A CURE FOR HIS AILING WIFE.. )

DELHI - INDIA.

Joseph is a young and muscular man in his late twenties, and has a gentle aura to him. Every morning he woke and went through a training method to cultivate his body and to do some shadow boxing and a small jog in the city.

And while he was jogging, he saw an old man opening his small shop on the corner of the street, and he helped him open the store with familiarity, and then gave some money to the lady and the child who was begging in the way, and patted some street dogs on his way out. And then entered a mall, and wore a gym instruction uniform, and helped many people in doing their stuff. and while doing it, an Asian girl in tight grey yoga pants with pink highlighter and pink top with a mature figure, was looking at him. And she has two bodyguards standing beside her wearing white shirts, a black waist, black tie, black pants with black glasses and a smartwatch on their wrists, and they looked professional. Sensing someone's gaze, Joseph, a veteran fighter, looked at her, and seeing it's just a woman, he turned his head back and focused on his way of work.

And seeing his vigilance, she was impressed.

" Who is he? " Asked the beautiful young lady in Japanese.

" Ms Nakamura, he is the part time instructor of this institution. " The bodyguard replied in Japanese with an emotionless tone.

And Ms Nakamura hummed in affirmation, and continued doing her stuff , two bodyguards overseeing the trouble makers, who couldn't take their eyes away from her.

After working from 6 AM to 10 AM a good enough job for, ups and downs. And after doing his job, Joseph, a devout believer wearing a cross, entered a huge church in the city.

It was an old catholic church made by the Britishers during their occupation . He sat in the middle and hear father preach about the importance of work and people's sins.

The pastor of the church was really old man around seventy of sixty, and his white hair and wrinkly face make people thinks he is even more older.

"My dear brothers and sisters, as we gather here today, let us reflect on the importance of work and the reality of sin in our lives.

Work, my beloved congregation, is not merely a means of earning a livelihood, but a sacred duty entrusted to us by the Divine. Through our labor, we contribute to the betterment of society, we fulfill our responsibilities to ourselves and our loved ones, and we honor the gifts bestowed upon us by our Creator.

Yet, let us not forget that work can be tainted by sin. Laziness, greed, and dishonesty can poison the purity of our efforts. When we neglect our duties, exploit others for personal gain, or engage in deceitful practices, we not only harm ourselves but also dishonor the purpose for which we were called to work.

For it is written, 'Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men' (Colossians 3:23). Let us remember that our work is a reflection of our devotion to God and our commitment to righteousness.

But let us also acknowledge the reality of sin in our lives. None of us are immune to its allure, and we must be vigilant in guarding against its influence. For sin separates us from God and tarnishes the purity of our souls.

Yet, let us take comfort in the knowledge that redemption is always within reach. Through repentance and faith, we can find forgiveness and renewal. Let us turn away from our sinful ways and strive for righteousness in all that we do.

As we go forth from this sacred place, may we carry with us a renewed dedication to our work and a steadfast resolve to resist the temptations of sin. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ guide us always along the path of righteousness. Amen."

And everyone also said " Amen. "

Joseph after sitting in the morning preaching, he left the church and prayed to God.

He picked some vegetables and ration from convenient stores, and said good morning to the old lady of the store, who praised him for being a good guy and then criticized his own son who wasn't that good, and the son just sighs, knowing his mother's antics.

" It's nothing, Aunt Rosy. " He said, and she praised him for being such a good husband, then asked about the health of her wife, and Joseph became a little melancholy, and he replied with a small smile.

" She is fine, we are going to the hospital today." He said with a smile. And after some more chit chat, he left with two bags of groceries. He walked toward his house in the suburban area of the city, and entered a small apartment in an old and dirty building. He reached room number 512 and entered the apartment.

" I'm home. " he said without getting a response.

" Yeah, I know I know, it's late but what can i do? Aunt Rosy was too rosy, and then you know the traffic right, and father Robert was a little too passionate in his prich today." He said while placing the groceries on shelves and in the refrigerator, and then grabbed a medical grade oats and made it, and then made a fresh orange juice, and entered a room.

The whole house wasn't that clean, but this room was neat and clean, not a spec of dirt. He sat near the bed, and turned on the lamp there, and a figure of a woman was lit by the light, a wheelchair beside the bed.

Joseph looked at the sleeping beauty in front of her with long wavy hair.

" Hey Jemma, wake up, I'll bring your breakfast." Joseph said with a smile. And the woman half sleeping, smiled and opened her brown eyes.

" Joss. " She said with a sleepy smile.

" It's your breakfast honey. " he said with a smile. And the thin woman stretched like a cat.

" What's in the breakfast joss. " She said while yawning a bit.

" Ahh, it's flavorless oats and average orange juice without salt. " The man said with a casual tone.

" yukky. '' She said with her tongue out.

" You want me to eat that garbage? "

" yup. '' Joseph said with a smile, and then helped her to sit, he placed a small bed table on the bed and then placed a little tasteless oats on the table, and then slowly fed her.

" I can see it by myself. " She said with an exhausted and gloomy smile. She was feeling lost.

" Did you eat your meds? " he asked looking at her gloomy expression.

" Ahh, I,,,,I forgot. " She said with a smile.

" Eat meds first. " He said, taking out a bunch of meds, and handing it over.

" yukky. '' She said and then ate it slowly.

" Don't chew it like candy. " He said with a small smile, and she nodded.

" wakk. " She said after swallowing the medicine. And after eating the meds, she felt lost, and stared at the ceiling. And seeing this Joseph looked a little worried.

" Jemma! jemma! Are you ok? " And she shook her hand a little , and she, like coming out of a trance, looked at him.

" Ahh, Joss! When did you come here? " She asked, looking a little confused.

" just now. " He said with a smile, and then she looked at the food in front of her.

" I forgot, didn't I ? " Said Jemma.

" No! I just came in, it has not been that late. " Said Joseph trying to comfort her. And she, knowing it, noded.

She sighs and replies in a silent tone.

" I was just!!! " And Joseph just grabbed the spoon and fed her immediately.

" No talk while eating. "said Joseph, and continued feeding her.

And then after breakfast, he grabbed her in princess carry, her fatigue and small size was easy to carry and enter the hall to watch some tv, he placed her on the huge sofa like princess and then went to the kitchen, and bring some drinks, he gets two glasses and one whisky bottle and one juice bottle. He entered the dimly lit hall, and sat beside the love of his life, and poured her the whiskey glass and himself took the juice bottle. And she, like a thirsty hyena gulped it down, and then immediately asked for more.

" No, no more. " he said, sipping his juice.

" Ahhhh, just one more." She said in a whine like a child, And he just smiled, and hugged her lovingly.

" You love me. " She said, hugging him back.

" Always. " He said, hugging her tightly.

" Then give me one more. " She said while her head was buried in his chest.

" Not that much. " Sarcasm.

He drove her to a hospital in the city, and helped a staff member put her in the med bed. And the Dr starts to examine her conditions, and puts her through several rigorous tests and exams.

Joseph, waiting for her wife to finish her examination, sat outside the examination room. And some time later, the doctor called him over.

He entered the well furnished doctor's office, and by the Dr's invitation sat on the chair, and Joseph looked troubled and worried.

" Mr Joseph? " Dr asked in a ligder manner.

" Yes. "

" You are here for Ms Jemma ? " And he nodded.

" Mr. Joseph, I'm afraid the situation with your wife's health is serious. Her Alzheimer's is advancing rapidly, and her blood pressure remains dangerously low. " The Dr said, looking at him seriously.

Joseph looked the same as before and asked a question.

" What are our options?" Dr looking serious, sighs and answers.

" At this stage, our focus is on managing symptoms and ensuring her comfort. We may need to consider palliative care."

" I understand. What can I do to support it ?

" Be there for her, ensure she's comfortable, and consider seeking additional support for yourself as her caregiver." Dr said the same thing that he has been saying for the last three visits, and Joseph with a look of hope asked.

" Thank you, Doctor, but! Is there anything that we can do? " He asked, with a little desperation in his eyes. Doctor seeing his face, put down the papers

" Mr. Joseph, I've ordered some additional tests to better understand your wife's condition. I need you to wait for the new report, then come back in two days to discuss our next steps. "

" Understood, Doctor. I'll make sure to come back in two days."

" Thank you. In the meantime, if there are any sudden changes or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me immediately."

" Will do. Thank you, Doctor. "

" Take care, Mr. Joseph. " said the doctor in courtesy . And he left the hospital, and he took her to a restaurant. A one where they met for the first time.

Joseph was smiling and looking at the love of his life, and she was also smiling funny.

" Joss, the sky is too bright tonight. " she said while the sun was dim, and it was evening.

" Yes it is. " Said Joseph, and ordered some food for himself, and some juice for her.

And while he was eating his food, he looked at Jemma, who was looking at the table with a gloomy face.

" Joseph, you remember that day when I was waiting here for my date? " She asked, seeing nowhere.

" Yes, " He said, remembering that day.

" I was sitting here alone, waiting for my blind date, my mother said he wouldn't come, my sister said he wouldn't come, and even my mind was saying that he wouldn't come, and even if he did, what he gonna see? A cripple who couldn't even walk properly. I waited for what looked like hours, I was losing hope, when you came, you were pretty late weren't you? " She said, looking at him. And Joseph tries to look indifferent.

" So how's your meal? " He asked, looking at her full glass of juice. And she, like a light bulb going on, looked down, and saw there was an empty plate, which was there even before they came.

" Ohh, I have eaten! I didn't even remember! " She said, and drank the juice with shaking hands. And Joseph's face looked down, a look of worry on his eyes.

After eating, they entered the modest car, and entered the shaky lift and entered their floor, and placed her wife in her bed, and she was sleepy, her gloomy smile not diminishing a bit.

" Joss, you love me . " She said, smiling gloomily.

" Always. " He said and kissed her forehead. And after kissing her goodby, she was about to leave when she stopped him.

" You forgot the goodbye kiss! " She said looking confused.

" Ahh, I forgot! " He said and kissed her forehead again, and left the room and closed the door. Night was falling on the world while Joseph was indulging himself in some exercise on top of the roof, his exercise showing a sign of desperation and deep anger, and that anger was focused on the punching bags and each punch showing his frustration. And after an exhausting himself on the punching bag , he sat gasping for air, when he heard a someone entering the roof.

" Look like you are in one of your moods! "

" You wanna change places with the bag, Manav." Advised Joseph pointed at the punching bag.

" No! No thanks. " Said Maanav hastily.

" I was just strolling. " He said as an explanation. And seeing his old friend's expression, he ignored it, and started to unwrap the hand raps from his hands, showing some patches of blood in the end, showing heavy khalishes on his hands. And Maanav seeing his friend's expression dealt in small conversation.

" Hey, how's it going? "

" Not too bad. How about you?"

" Oh, you know, same old. Just dealing with stuff. "

" Anything special you want to talk about?" Asked Joseph not wanting to continue this conversation.

" Not really, yaar. Just some family stuff, you know? "

" family! Isn't it what we strive for? commented Joseph, resembling his own conditions in this.

" Yeah, thanks. It's just hard to see you like this. You, a mountain of the past, came to this."

" looks like you don't like your head on your shoulder. '' Said Joseph amiably, sipping energy drink.

" No! No! I like my head where it is. And I just,,,,, seeing you like this… . . " And he hesitated.

" That man has gone Maanav, I'm not a fighter anymore. " and after saying that he left the roof without saying anything more.

And Maanav once a best friend looked at his friend's back, looking defeated.