Episode 37 : Convene

"Congratulations, Zawaq!" said the relatives to Zawaq and his wife, Vera.

Zawaq, his family, Vera, and Vera's family dined together at a long table, celebrating the marriage of Zawaq and Vera.

Zawaq wore a suit, while Vera was adorned in a dazzling white gown embellished with beads. Her silky straight hair flowed like fine silk. Her delicate eyes matched her slender frame. Her fair complexion radiated like her blooming fresh smile.

As Zawaq and his wife Vera greeted and shook hands with the guests, an elderly man with a white beard and unkempt white hair approached him.

"Who are you?" asked Zawaq, extending his hand to the man.

"Don't you remember me?" the man asked Zawaq.

"Sorry, I don't. I've been in two accidents and suffer from amnesia," Zawaq explained.

"Is that so?" the man asked.

"How did you meet your wife?" the man asked Zawaq.

"This is Vera. She's a doctor who treated me in the hospital a few weeks ago. I was in an accident. Vera asked if I was single. Since she's cute and beautiful, I took a liking to her," Zawaq explained with a small laugh.

"Enjoy your life, Zawaq. I'm proud of you," the man said, smiling.

"Thank you, Alen," replied Zawaq.

The man's smile faded when he heard that name.

"Wait, did I call you by the wrong name? I'm sorry," said Zawaq.

"No, it's correct. My name is Alen. Congratulations on your marriage, Zawaq," said Alen, patting Zawaq on the shoulder.

"We'll meet again someday," Alen added before walking away.

Zawaq watched Alen leave, his presence stirring a faint memory. Vera noticed her husband's lingering gaze and looked on curiously.

After the wedding, Zawaq and Vera began opening their gifts from the guests. One long package caught Zawaq's attention.

"What's this?" Zawaq wondered aloud.

He unwrapped the gift, revealing a long sword in a sheath. The sword was crafted in the style of the Land of the Rising Sun.

The sword felt familiar to Zawaq, as if he had seen and held it before. His eyes stayed fixed on it. He unwrapped it further, and several small metal fragments fell out of the packaging.

"Dear, that's..." Vera began.

Zawaq picked up the deformed metal pieces. They resembled bullet fragments, clean but clearly pulled from someone's body.

"Bullet fragments? What does this mean?" Zawaq asked, gripping the sword tightly.

A folded piece of paper slipped out from the packaging. Zawaq picked it up and unfolded it.

"Use this sword. It's a gift from the Arab soldiers. I'm merely returning it to you after your fall at the hands of the Israhell soldiers," read the note from Alen.

A few days later, Zawaq and Vera arrived at their new home to start their married life.

"Dear, are you working tomorrow?" Vera asked.

"Yes, why?" Zawaq replied.

"I want to go with you to your workplace. I've also applied for a transfer to the military base where you're assigned," Vera said.

"Sure," Zawaq said, walking up to her, holding her hands, and kissing her forehead.

The next day, after treating injured soldiers at noon, they changed out of their medical uniforms. While sitting at the cafeteria, Zawaq watched Vera eat her lunch.

"What is it, dear?" Vera asked, noticing his gaze.

"Nothing," Zawaq replied, pretending not to be captivated by her beauty.

That evening at home, Zawaq checked the mailbox and found an envelope. He opened it and read its contents.

"Dear, what's that?" Vera asked.

"A letter about a transfer," Zawaq said.

"Another transfer?" Vera asked.

"Looks like it," Zawaq replied, walking into the house with her.

"Do we have to move again?" Vera asked.

"No need. We'll go back to my hometown. You can stay with my parents. My old workplace is nearby. I used to walk there early in the morning before sunrise," Zawaq explained while arranging their shoes in the rack.

"That means I'll have to cancel my transfer request," Vera said.

"You can work at a nearby hospital. It'll be easier for us to see each other. No need to live apart and miss each other," Zawaq said, embracing her with one arm while lifting her chin with his other hand.

During dinner, Zawaq spoon-fed Vera, offering her food and holding a glass to her lips to pamper her.

"Dear, I'm an adult, your wife, not a child," Vera said, laughing softly.

"What's wrong with pampering my wife? Who else will treat you like this?" he said, cupping her cheek with his hand.

Blushing, Vera let Zawaq continue spoiling her before she took the spoon and fed him in return. Zawaq smiled at her loving gesture.

Weeks later, near his parents' home, Zawaq visited the records office at the military base. A soldier blocked his way.

"What's your business here? This office is for authorized personnel only," the soldier said.

"I heard I used to work here, so I should have access," Zawaq insisted.

"No permission, no entry," the soldier replied firmly.

"What if I get your permission?" Zawaq asked.

"Depends on the offer," the soldier replied.

"$500?" Zawaq offered.

"Too little," the soldier said.

"$700?" Zawaq tried again.

"Still not enough," the soldier replied.

"$900?" Zawaq asked.

"Raise it higher," the soldier demanded.

"$1000," Zawaq said.