Backup Girl No More: Adios To My V-Card and My First Love
Chapter 36

Chapter 16 I resumed my work as a doctor .

Three years later , the situation in the Nyara Republic had deteriorated beyond imagination .

Armed groups had expanded their territory to unprecedented levels .

Food crises , cholera outbreaks , sexual violence , and kidnappings had become endless cycles of suffering .

This land seemed truly forsaken .

Each day , witnessing the hellish reality around me , I questioned whether Doctors Without Borders was extending hope or merely prolonging suffering .

Months later , Adam told me he had located five children from that group , including Ray and Mary .

They had escaped successfully that day and now lived with relatives in Kisangani .

This news was like a breath of fresh air .

I rushed to meet them .

As soon as my car reached the meeting point , Mary ran out and threw herself into my arms , eyes brimming with tears .

Zoey !! You finally came ! She had grown tall , blossoming into a young woman .

Looking anxiously at the car , she asked , Wheres Doctor Joseph ? Why didnt he come ? I hesitated .

Hes too busy .

Marys fingers tightened immediately .

… Has something happened to him ? Children who have witnessed death are particularly sensitive to vague answers .

I shook my head reassuringly .

No , hes fine .

Let me show you .

I scrolled through my phone but found no pictures of Joseph .

I had stored them all away on my computer at home , unable to bear looking at them .

At the very end , I found a photo of Jackson in his white coat , reading medical records under warm lamplight .

The resemblance to Joseph was striking .

Marys face lit up when she saw it .

She jumped with joy , pulling her brother over .

I want to be a doctor too ! The other children joined in : Me too ! I want to heal people ! I gently patted their heads and turned to the quiet boy .

What about you , Ray ? What do you want to do ? 17:44 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 27.3 % Chapter 16 Ray glanced at my camera shyly .

… I want to be a journalist .

I was stunned .

I want to show the world those who are suffering .

If people can see them , maybe someone will help … Fighting back tears , I gathered them all in my arms .

If Joseph were here , he would be so proud .

Before leaving , I gave Ray my compact camera and left Josephs stethoscope and books with Mary and the others .

Their faces glowed with excitement .

These children , despite living in hardship , still reached for a bright future through their scars .

Just as Joseph had said , Where theres hope , theres a future .

Months passed .

My search for Josephs body proved fruitless .

I visited the forest countless times , but the darkness of that night had left me disoriented .

Eventually , I had to accept defeat .

I began documenting Josephs story on Instagram , going through old photos .

Many details had grown hazy after three years .

Initially , I did it fearing I might forget more , but unexpectedly , the posts went viral .

Comments flooded in from people wanting to know more .

Former patients recognized him .

Doctor Joseph was amazing .

When my mother became confused during her illness , he never lost patience .

He performed magic tricks for my daughter .

The director scolded him for playing cards ! Then Jackson video called me .

He sent screenshots of my Instagram .

Is this you ? Yes , I answered honestly .

He looked stunned , his expression bitter .

So you meant my brother … Yes .

I should have known … should have realized ! No wonder you looked at me that way ! I thought you actually loved me ! He lowered his head in defeat .

Is he … okay ? 17:44 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love R