Joseph walked in his and his wife's room, and sat beside Jemma's sleeping form, and looked at her peaceful sleeping face. And seeing her calm and surreal face, he kept looking at her face and remembered the day he met her.
What she said was correct, she had a blind date, and he wasn't her date, he was just a passerby when he spotted her. She was waiting for someone with a small smile, and that smile on her face was something, it had no other emotion in it, it was pure a smile.
Intrigued, he stayed minding his own business, when he noticed a well suited person with a book of flowers, he noticed his nervousness and smile, he thought he came to see someone. He tried to ignore him, but his antics caught his attention, he stopped little further from the girl with a smile, and for some reason decided to leave his expression one of confusion and then bitterment . He threw the book of flowers in the dustbin, and left the place. He was confused seeing his reaction, but it soon became clear when he saw the girl was in a wheelchair. Seeing the reason behind his departure, his mood dimmed a bit. He pittied the girl and decided to take his place.
And things escalated from there. He never expected to fall in love, not to her nor to anyone. It was beautiful till it last.
First, it was just a pity for her, and he wanted to make her feel good, but she changed his life, and became the most beautiful part of it.
His eyes dimmed, and he looked at the sky through the window, and fell asleep beside jemma.
Next day while he was jogging his way down, he once again helped that old man open his shop, gave some money to that poor lady and her child, and patted the dogs there. He swiftly reached the mall, and entered the gym wearing his gym instructor uniform. He did a four hour shift, Monday to Saturday, six days a week, Sunday was the weekend, and a holiday.
A small and peaceful job with no extra tension like his previous job. And today, while he was instructing a young man in weight lifting, when he saw people staring at the new Asian woman, but no one dared to go near seeing two burly guards standing behind her.
" Do you know her? " Asked the man who was trying to lift the weight.
" Out of your reach. '' Said Joseph, while he stopped giving him support in weight.
" Hay,,, help. " said the man holding the weight.
" I know , I know, I can't even lift weights. " And he grab the weight back.
" Hay, man come on, at least I'm trying. "
" More like embarrassing yourself. "
" Hay! Like you can do better. " said the man now embarrassed. And Joseph looked at him and then at himself wasn't even close .
" I hit my own feet didn't . "
" That wasn't a question wasn't it. "
" ahhh ...Yeah." Said the man sheepishly.
" Work. '' Said Joseph and patted the weights.
He went to drag some mischievous people to their places, and then started to drink some energy drinks to quench his thirst, while many girls there were looking at him with hunger in their eyes. And seeing this the man he was helping almost spit out his drink, and looked at him with contempt, jealousy pouring from his core.
" Damn bastar. " he murmur to himself, and people around his noded. And then he saw his exercising as well, and he saw how all the girl was looking at him.
" Even Miss Chinese isn't an exception. '' Said another man beside him. First man almost vomited blood in anger, but managed it, seeing his biceps.
" Fu*k that. " Said the man in done maner, and ran away. Knowing his physic is impossible for him.
And while he was grumbling, a certain Japanese girl was looking at him. And after checking him out, she focused on her own work, and looked thoughtful.
" Find about him, and if everything is fine, hire him as a personal bodyguard. " She said in Japanese.
" Yes ma'am. "said two bodyguards.
" Ā! Soshite kare ga hikensha ka dō ka mitekudasai ? " she said in Japanese.
" Haí " They said in Japanese.
Joseph went to the church, and sat on the bench, and waited for the father of the church to begin his preaching. He took out his locket, and grabbed it in a praying manner. And soon, the father begins his preaching.
" As a father, I've often found myself grappling with the weight of difficult choices, especially when it comes to my children's futures. Each decision feels like navigating through a labyrinth of possibilities, with potential consequences looming at every turn. Whether it's deciding which school they should attend, what extracurricular activities to encourage, or even setting boundaries, every choice carries its own set of risks and rewards.
At times, the pressure to make the right decision can feel overwhelming. I constantly worry about the long-term consequences of my actions and how they will shape my children's lives. Will this choice lead them down the right path or inadvertently steer them in the wrong direction? It's a daunting thought, knowing that my decisions today could have ripple effects that last a lifetime.
But amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: my love for my children and my desire to see them thrive. It's this unwavering devotion that drives me to carefully weigh my options and consider the potential outcomes of each choice. While I may not always have all the answers, I know that my intentions are rooted in wanting what's best for them.
Ultimately, being a parent means embracing the responsibility of making tough decisions, even when they come with difficult consequences. It's about trusting in our instincts, learning from our mistakes, and having faith that, in the end, our choices will lead to a brighter future for our children.
As a father, navigating the intricate maze of decision-making for my children is akin to walking on a tightrope suspended high above the ground. On one side lies the fear of making the wrong choice, leading to potential pitfalls and setbacks for my children. On the other side lies the pressure to ensure their success, often pushing me to make choices that might seem daunting or unpopular at the time.
The difficulty of these choices is compounded by the realization that every decision we make as parents has the power to shape our children's lives in profound ways. It's not just about the immediate outcome, but also about the long-term implications and consequences that our actions may bring. Will this choice help them develop resilience and independence, or will it inadvertently hinder their growth? These are questions that weigh heavily on my mind as I grapple with each decision.
Moreover, there's the added layer of uncertainty that comes with parenthood – the unpredictable nature of life itself. No matter how meticulously we plan or how thoughtfully we make decisions, there are always unforeseen circumstances that can arise, throwing our carefully laid plans off course.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty and the fear of making mistakes, there's also a profound sense of hope and determination. It's the belief that, despite the challenges, we have the power to shape a better future for our children through the choices we make today. It's the unwavering commitment to providing them with the love, support, and guidance they need to navigate life's twists and turns with courage and resilience.
In the end, being a parent is about embracing the complexity of decision-making, knowing that each choice – no matter how difficult – is made with love and with the best interests of our children at heart. And while the road ahead may be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, I take solace in the knowledge that my love for my children will always guide me through the darkest of times. "
And the preaching ended, and many stood up, and left the church without saying anything else.
Joseph went back to his home and Announced his presence, locking the gate back and went directly toward his bedroom, and looked inside to see it was empty, his wife wasn't there.
" Jemma? " He asked in a loud voice, and then he looked around.
" Jemma? " He asked again and checked around, he went to the bathroom and find her sitting in her wheelchair looking at the mirror on top of the basin from far smiling gloomily, talking to herself.
" Mima¿¿ mima ¡¡ mima I'm jemma, jemma is going to Paris, jemma is going to Paris, Paris, Paris. " And seeing her singing in low voice, a look of softness came to her face, and with a gentle and sad smile he sat beside her in the blue and dark bathroom, and start singing with her, guiding her .
" Mima mima, mimaaa ,,,
Jemaa is going to Paris, Jemma is going to Paris, Paris, Paris.
It's a beautiful sky, beautiful sky.
Mima mima, mima, jemma is shy. "
" Why? " Jemma asked, stopping the beautiful song.
" Why what? " He asked.
" Why I shy? " She asked.
" Ohh. " And he continued.
" Mima mima, mima, jemma can fly. "
" Why fly? "
" Ok, ok. "
" Jemma can lie."
" Lie? "
" Lie" means lying. "
" Ohh, I do that. " she said with a shy smile.
" Jemma can lie. "
" Hmm hmm hummmm hmm. " Then they hmmed the song.
" Mima mima mima, jemma is going to Paris, Paris Paris.
It's beautiful sky, beautiful sky.
Mima mima mima jemma can lie. "
" Jemma can lie. "
" river river river, it's a beautiful sky. "
" Beautiful sky. " and they continue singing.
And in the end they decided to go on a date.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the park, Jemma sat in her wheelchair, her hazel eyes scanning the surroundings with a hint of confusion and curiousty .. Beside her stood Joseph, tall and strong, his gentle smile a beacon of her reassurance.
Joseph reached out, his hand finding jemma's trembling fingers, offering a comforting squeeze.
"Beautiful evening, isn't it?" he said, his deep voice carrying a soothing tone. Jemma nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"Yes, it is. But I'm not quite sure where we are." Joseph chuckled softly, his eyes full of understanding.
"We're in the park, jemma. Just enjoying each other's company."
A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass. Joseph leaned in closer, his presence a steady anchor for jemma amidst the confusion of her thoughts.
"Would you like to take a stroll?" he suggested, gesturing towards the winding path ahead.
Jemma's eyes brightened with anticipation.
"I'd love that."
With a gentle push, Joseph guided Jemma's wheelchair along the path, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they shared stories and laughter. Despite the challenges they faced, in that moment, nothing else mattered except the simple joy of being together.
As they continued their stroll through the park, jemma's gaze seemed to drift off into the distance, her expression tinged with a hint of sadness. Joseph noticed the change in her demeanor and gently squeezed her hand, silently offering his support.
"Are you alright, jemma?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. Jemma sighed softly, her eyes clouded with a mix of emotions.
"I... I'm not sure, Joseph. Sometimes it's hard to remember things, you know?" Joseph nodded understandingly, his heart aching at the thought of Jemma's struggles.
"I'm here for you, jemma. Whatever you need, I'll do my best to help."
A faint smile flickered across Jemma's lips as she leaned into Joseph's comforting presence, finding solace in his unwavering support.
"Thank you, Joss. It means a lot to me."
They continued their walk in silence, the gentle rhythm of their footsteps echoing through the quiet evening air.
As jemma and Joseph made their way through the park, their presence drew occasional glances from passersby. Some stole curious looks, while others gazed with a mixture of empathy and admiration.
Jemma's wheelchair, adorned with colorful ribbons and a bouquet of flowers, stood out among the sea of pedestrians, a symbol of resilience amidst in adversity. Her hazel eyes, though clouded with moments of confusion, sparkled with a lingering sense of curiosity and wonder.
Joseph, tall and strong, walked beside her with a confident stride, his protective aura evident to anyone who glanced their way. His reassuring presence seemed to envelop jemma, shielding her from the outside world with unwavering devotion.
As they passed by a group of elderly couples sitting on a nearby bench, Jemma caught snippets of their whispered conversations. Some murmured words of sympathy, while others exchanged knowing glances, their expressions reflecting a shared understanding of life's challenges.
Despite the occasional stares and whispers, jemma and Joseph remained unfazed, their bond transcending the fleeting judgments of strangers. In each other's company, they found solace and strength, a testament to the power of love in the face of adversity.
With each step they took, jemma and Joseph forged ahead, their hearts intertwined in a silent vow to cherish every moment they shared, regardless of the obstacles that lay ahead. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the park, they found comfort in the simple beauty of being together.
" Joss, why are we here? " She asked, looking at him with childlike confusion.
" To have fun. " Joseph said
As Jemma and Joseph arrived at the photo studio, Jemma's eyes widened with childlike wonder, her gaze darting around the room to take in the colorful backdrops and array of props. Joseph smiled fondly at her excitement, his hand resting gently on her shoulder as they waited for their turn.
As they were called into the studio, the photographer greeted them with a warm smile, his eyes filled with genuine kindness.
"Welcome! What kind of photos are you looking to take today?"
Jemma hesitated for a moment, her thoughts momentarily drifting. Joseph stepped in, his voice steady and reassuring.
"We'd like some photos together."
The photographer nodded understandingly, his professionalism shining through as he guided them through different poses and settings. With each click of the camera shutter, Jemma's face lit up with a radiant smile, her joy infectious as she leaned into Joseph's embrace.
As they finished their session, the photographer handed them a preview of their photos, a tangible reminder of the love they shared. Jemma's eyes sparkled with delight as she gazed at the images, her heart swelling with gratitude for the precious memories they had created together.
Stepping out of the shooting area , Jemma clutched the photos to her chest, a sense of contentment washing over her. Joseph wrapped his arm around her shoulders, his presence a source of comfort and strength.
As they made their way to the waiting area Jemma couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over her. In the quiet moments that followed, she found solace in the photographs they had taken, a testament to the enduring bond they shared, captured in every smile and tender embrace.
As they lingered outside the range of camera, Jemma turned to Joseph with a pleading look in her eyes, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Joseph, do you mind if I take a solo photo by myself?" And she gave a gloomy smile to him.
Joseph's heart sank as he met her gaze, a wave of sadness washing over him. He could see the flicker of resignation in her eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the reality they both faced. Without a word, he nodded, his throat tight with emotion.
"Oof,,,of course, jemma," he replied softly, his voice trembling slightly.
"Whatever you want."
With a heavy heart, Joseph watched as Joseph stepped back into the studio, her silhouette fading into the dimly lit room. Alone with his thoughts, he couldn't shake the feeling of impending loss that hung heavy in the air.
As he waited for Jemma to emerge, Joseph found himself grappling with a flood of emotions. He had known, deep down, that their time together was limited, but the unspoken acknowledgment of Jemma's mortality weighed heavily on his heart.
When Jemma finally reappeared, clutching a single photograph in her trembling hands, Joseph's breath caught in his throat. The image captured her essence perfectly, her eyes shining with a bittersweet mixture of joy and sorrow.
Silently, Joseph reached out, taking the photograph from jemma's outstretched hand. Their eyes met in a wordless exchange, a silent understanding passing between them. In that moment, they both knew that their time together was precious, fleeting, and all too short.
As they made their way home, the weight of their unspoken truth hung heavy in the air. But amidst the sadness, there was also a sense of gratitude for the moments they had shared, and the love that had sustained them through it all. And as they held each other close, their hearts intertwined in a silent vow to cherish every moment they had left, no matter how fleeting it may be.
" You love me. '' She said with a smile.
" Always. " He said with all the love in his heart.
As they lay in bed together, the room bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp, Jemma's mind drifted back to the past, her thoughts a jumbled mess of fragmented memories and faded moments, some freezing and some going amish . She reached out, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the sheets as she struggled to grasp onto the fleeting threads of her past.
"Joseph," she whispered, her voice barely a whisper in the stillness of the night.
"Do you remember... the time we went to the beach?"
Joseph's heart clenched at the wistful tone in her voice, a pang of sadness washing over him as he watched her struggle to hold onto the memories slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.
"Yes, jemma," he replied softly, his voice thick with emotion.
"I remember."
As Jemma began to recount tales of their adventures together, her words trailed off into mumbled fragments, her thoughts slipping away like shadows in the night. Joseph listened in silence, his heart breaking with each faltering sentence, the weight of their shared history hanging heavy in the air.
Despite his efforts to remain stoic, Joseph's eyes betrayed the turmoil and anger raging within him, a silent reflection of the pain and helplessness he felt watching jemma slip further and further away. He longed to reach out, to hold her close and chase away the darkness that threatened to engulf them both.
But as Jemma's voice faded into silence, lost in the labyrinth of her own mind, Joseph knew that there was nothing he could do except be there for her, to hold her hand and whisper words of love and comfort into the void.
And so, they lay together in the darkness, two souls bound by love and loss, navigating the uncharted waters of Alzheimer's with a courage born of desperation and a love that refused to be extinguished