Chapter 7
Pursuing A More Peaceful Course
Dewdrop on the meadows that gusty morning, was a natural picturesque. The dew intersecting surrounding foliage, released a scented fragrance, that was so calming. A fog of war clouded Ben's mind. A peaceful atmosphere has a striking difference, compared with a tug of war, he thought.
Ben Charlotte strolled through the alley, having a feel of life outside the warfront. The brimming happiness from his baby's recent birth, had almost obliterated every sense of war.
The least interval between the children's birth, and his eventual arrival from official or war engagements, was nothing less than a year and half. Adorable changed an almost rigid pattern and tradition, with dad's return, three months into her birth.
His addiction to baby adorable was unequivocally accepted by all. No one threw a dispute nor argued about it, having realized the disconnect he experienced from his two previous kids. It almost became nettlesome, bonding with his two boys. That experience brought tears from his eyes then. It took a while before they started adjusting, and seeing him as their dad.
The thought of baby Adorable nestling on his arm, suddenly fluttered his mind, enriching his physiognomy.
Adeline and Ben's eyes locked, as she came to pick some documents at the door from the courier driver.
"Why were you beaming with such a radiant countenance alone; hope everything is alright?"
(She moved closer to Ben)
"So right, dear. I am the happiest dad at the moment. Adorable stirs so great a joy within me."
"I understand, Ben. How I wished you could stay and allow her have a feel of fatherly parenthood."
"To an extent, I believe that is achievable. My first twelve years had been dedicated to active service. The possibility of moving away from war issues, is a choice I can make. Am likely to choose being an Engineer Corp soon. Moreover, peace treaty is eroding the face of constant war in recent times."
"It's such a good decision I look forward to living out. That will bring some sort of relief from my years of indirect single parenthood', Adeline considered."
"As much as I would like to discard the term 'indirect single parenthood', it would be unfair on my part, wanting to disregard your inputs. You have been the only active one over the years."
"Thanks for acknowledging that fact. Your presence will go a long way. The children's growth process is something we need to accomplish together. The ball is in your court."
(Adeline turned to leave. Ben placed his right hand on her shoulder)
"You sounded a bit harsh, dear. Why would you say the ball is in my court. You should understand I equally have the family's interest at heart."
"I find it hard to believe, Ben. You have been more passionate about your military career than family."
"This is a total misconception. My commitment towards my family, says a lot about my personality. My military service is something I have signed to engage in. It doesn't take the dedication to my family away. If I don't have your interest at heart, I won't be considering this imminent choice of a non-combatant transitioning."
(He embraced his wife, placed a kiss on her forehead)
"No problem, Ben. The earlier you act, the better. You can imagine how life would have been alone, without the extended family and nanny."
"I couldn't have been so callous, leaving you all alone too. Please, try to understand. Am working things out for your sake. Your lone years are almost over."
(Adorable drew their attention with her tears)
"She is awake, let's go check on her", Ben said.
They both rushed through the lounge, passing the living room into her room.
Pauline was rocking Adorable. Hello, Adorable. Dad is here (gestured to carry her).
She is fine, brother. Am petting her. Let me take care of her for some time too.
Why would you do this to me, Pauline?
Adeline was busy watching their drama and snickering. Adorable kept her calm for a while. Shortly after, she resumed crying again.
Let me try and settle the dispute between brother and sister. I guess she needs to eat.
That's true. You sit, while I place the baby on your laps.
Alright. Thanks, Pauline; Adeline appreciated. Pauline gently positioned Adorable on Adeline's laps to enable the baby latch on.
Case settled, Ben; Pauline gesticulated with her hands.
Ben simply sat beside his wife, watching his baby with rapt attention.
A Forceful Move
Troops often stayed in their trenches, waiting for the next signal, while at the battlefront. They ensured things were moving as they should.
The armistice had ended finally. The battalion were back to their base. Ben joined his troops back on very stringent laws to do so. He couldn't focus his full attention on activities on this side fully. Some part of ran back to his daughter. The longing was passionate.
Providentially, he was able to squeeze out three months with his daughter. His resolve was to round off all that had to do with combat in another three months, so he could set his eyes on her daughter as soon as he could. Adorable was six months old, by the time her dad was parting with her, for the time being.
"I might not be able to cope with prolonged war events anymore. I have discussed with one of my immediate superiors, who happened to be a Major General. It's either I engage as a full Engineer Corps or resign my services from the military service."
"Your decision is a good one, Ben. It's in the interest of your family. This is expedient at such a time. Am not trying to be egocentric, asking you to discontinue your passion as a military officer. We have all exemplified and exercised our braveness over the years. Coming to be with your family is a great necessity at this time."
Eventual Mishap
During the ambush raids, emerging out of the staging area, Ben's ankle shifted, causing a dislocation. All he could remember was the fall. A stretcher was drafted from their emergency point. An ice pack was quickly place on the affected part.
Ben was strategic enough, coming back to join his troops. It wasn't possible for him to desert the military mission, without following laid down procedures. He had to dutifully check out, by appropriately ticking the rules. He knew the peace keeping mission was gradually reaching its final stage.
Moreover, he had made his final decision to make the conflict his last combatant engagement. He wanted to change the emotional tone of his family, by putting a regular smile on their faces. He has decided to pay a closer attention to his family before this unfortunate incident.
Ben was later admitted at the Nicosia general hospital. Pressure was minimised on the leg.
"You need to undergo an x-ray of the leg region, because of the shift in the ankle area. Mere touching it, I could perceive an internal injury, the doctor revealed."
"Don't worry, you will still stand back on your feet. You may need to be wheeled in the meantime, till we are able to factor in the conditions and treat accordingly."
"I hope the treatment will be fast enough, so I can get back to my family. I have a little baby my wife is nursing", Ben said, with his tear-streaked face.
"That's not an issue. You can reach out to your family as soon as we are able to administer essential treatments, that can assist you push through, in order to join them. The treatment is most important at the moment."
(20 minutes after)
"The result of the x-ray revealed your talocrural joint was damaged due to the talus area that was affected. From the x-ray result, it's a minor neurovascular injury around your talus bone. This might not necessitate a surgery, if we observe the healing process for the next one week."
He was placed on bed rest. Ice placement was sustained, with compression and elevation of the area, using an elastic bandage in a circular motion. Analgesic was administered for pain reduction too.
(Adeline and Ben on Call)
Tell me this is not true, Adeline responded, getting to know about her husband's current predicament. Don't inform my mum and Tilda. You can let Pauline know about it, since she visits frequently. I shall be back home, most likely in a week's time.
Alright.
(Adeline covered her mouth to avoid wailing loudly)
"Take care of yourself, and please reduce pressure on the leg." She finally hanged up.
A splint was later placed to aid the immobilisation of the leg, and suppress the swelling of the area. The final casting allowed Ben to comfortably get his discharge from the hospital.
(Ben's Furlough Journey)
Ben was able to return home exactly two weeks after the incident. He got his rest and recuperate (R& R) leave. Also, the incident aided the smooth process of his application for a transitioning into the non-combatant Engineer Corp.
An Orthopaedist and two officers were on board the military aircraft that flew Ben back to Ireland. They successfully accompanied him back to his family.
In about a month after Ben's last departure from home, he was able to return and reintegrate with Adorable. This could have happened in very rare situations.
Even though his eventual homecoming was smeared with a bad occurrence as drawn from the incident. Ben to some levels, considered it as a blessing in disguise. Despite being dented, the joy and relief that came with it, were immeasurably enormous.