Франк Бейтс - Calls to Arms - A Story of the Imminent Collapse

“I will do the surgery, and I will save that poor girl’s life. That’s what we do as doctors.” Joseph said with dignity. He has no idea where he gets his will to be a hero, but he knows that the girl needs him.

“I need my trusted assistant. Steve, are you with me on this?” Joseph asked genuinely.

“I’ll assist you the best way I could.” Dr. Steve replied, while there was disapproval on Dr. Ames eyes.

“I don’t want to lose my license.” Dr. Ames said trying to influence Dr. Steve.

“We need other available staff, medics, and nurse. Please tell them to be ready in five.” Joseph ordered the attending nurse while disregarding Dr. Ames last words.

The dilemma didn’t stopped in the Operating Room. The staff nurse insisted that a legal parent or guardian has to sign the waiver before completing the operation.

“I just told you that her parents died. How can they sign that waiver?” Doctor Joseph said in an irritated tone.

“I take full responsibility for the girl’s custody,” Joseph added.

The nurse was shocked by the level of concern in Joseph, so they decided to make an exception this time.

The surgery was successful although they lack in proper personnel. It was a relief for Joseph that the operation went well. The girl was transferred to the recovery room but still needs close monitoring. Joseph express his gratitude to Steve for having his back, but Steve said that he also had to do his job. Steve went back to his clinic while Joseph decided to get a cup of coffee to wake up his senses. At the cafeteria, he saw Jay White and Walter already drinking their teas. Joseph thought that it’s a good idea to chat with some of his closest friends after another long and tiring day.

“Hi, Doctor Brave. We’ve heard about the kid, how are you feeling?” Jay White asked.

“It’s a relief that the kid is in stable condition. What happened back there, Jay?” Joseph respond. Jay White is an Ambulance Driver who brought the kid and her mother in the hospital.

“There was a riot near the town, just 3 kilometers away from the hospital. The hospital nearby called for our help. The rioters started to become more violent. I’ve heard that the poor kid’s family were just passers-by. One of the evacuees. However, the situation went out of hand, so the Policemen began firing shots, and so the rioters.” Jay explained. Joseph wasn’t surprised, it has been common a few days. However, he felt distressed about those innocent people.

“So what are your plans?” Walter asked the both of them trying to change the subject. He is an army medic that is six years younger than Joseph.

“My wife and I are staying in town as of the time being,” Jay said.

“My family has moved out of the town. They went to the farm. I wanted to be sure that they are safe.” Joseph said plainly.

“Must be hard living away from them. I should know, haven’t spoken to my wife and son for days. They are not answering my calls.” Walter felt down.

“Where are they?” Jay asked.

“Memphis. I heard things were more critical in there than here. I wanted to get them, but my aunt said they left the house when there was a protest near our house. I tried looking for them and called our relatives and friends, but they have no idea. Now, I have to idea where to find them.” Walter became depressed.

Jay calmed Walter as Joseph pulled his pen and a paper, then wrote the address of the farm and drew a map at the back.

“If ever you feel the urge of moving, both of you and your families are free to go there.” Joseph handed out the paper to each of them.

“Doctor, you’re not planning to move out soon, right?” Jay asked.

“No, not yet. Not until this place is hopeless.” Joseph answered.

It was already ten in the evening when Joseph arrived at home. The traffic momentarily receded, but there were still families evacuating, while some chose to stay. It was dark and quiet outside because some electrical posts were damaged. When Joseph scanned their home, he felt empty as well as the neighborhood. Joseph sat on the sofa for a while, and think of everything that happened that day. His patients, Dr. Carlton, the rioters, the government, the little girl he saved, her parents, his kids, and Maxine. There were still no updates from his family’s trip. Joseph tried to call Maxine, but she was out of coverage area. He tried to divert his concern, so he decided to watch the news, but he’s too tired to reach the remote control.

Joseph chose to call Maxine again, and he was hoping to hear her voice this time. Fortunately, Maxine’s phone rang and answered immediately.

“Hi, sweetie.” Joseph when he heard Maxine’s voice. A feeling of relief, happiness, and longingness. It has been just a day, but it feels like forever for Joseph.

“Hi, sweetie. How are you? How are the kids?” Joseph asked.

“We are fine. We managed to go in here safely.” Maxine responded with her uneasy tine.

“What’s wrong, Maxine? I’ve known you for so long that I could tell even through your voice that there’s a problem.” Joseph sensed that something isn’t right.

“We got hijacked,” Maxine said.

“WHAT?! What happened? How’re the kids?” Maxine told every detail to Joseph, and she was sobbing on the other line. Joseph felt guilty that he wasn’t there to help his wife and kids. Now, Bobby has to shoulder the pain and burden. Just like what happened to him when his father died.

“I am sorry to hear that, Maxine. If I had known…” Joseph almost burst into tears.

“You don’t have to blame yourself, Joseph. Nobody wants this to happen. I assure you that everything will be fine.” Maxine calmed Joseph.

“How’s your day?” Maxine tried to change the topic because she doesn’t want to add any trouble to Joseph’s mind. She knows that he’s been carrying heavy loads at the hospital.

“It has been a long day for the both of us, Sweetie,” Maxine said after Joseph mentioned everything that happened that day,

“Yea, maybe it’s time we get some good sleep. Are the kids still awake?” Joseph replied.

“They slept early. The kids must’ve been exhausted.”

“Surely. Goodnight, Maxine. I miss you a lot.” Joseph said.

“I miss you, too. Please take care of yourself and go here alive.”

“I will. I love you.” Joseph said.

“I love you, too.”

Joseph can’t stop himself from watching the news, hoping to hear even just a good one. He saw the report about the US president’s current condition.

“The US President has safely arrived Maryland for his treatment. However, his vitals are still unstable as of the moment. Doctors are closely monitoring his health, and hopeful that his body responds to his medicines within the next twenty-four hours. There’s still no specific timetable of when he’ll wake up.”

Another report came in showing footage of National Guard arriving on Memphis. It gave him some comfort and positivity. He slowly closed his eyes, and prayed that tomorrow would be a better day. Joseph tried to get some good sleep, but he received a lot of phone calls from the ER that night.

It was just three hours ago when Joseph fell asleep, and now his phone rings again. With eyes closed, he managed to press the answer button and put the phone on his ear.

“Dr. Brave,” Joseph said in his husky voice.

“Dr. Brave, sorry to bother your sleep. We have a serious matter right now.” He figured it’s Dr. Johnson on the other line. Another doctor, but not a surgeon at Southcrest Community Hospital and ten years younger than him. Joseph’s senses suddenly have come to live. He checks his bedside digital alarm, and it was just four in the morning.