Aisha's POV
That morning, the sun had not fully risen when Julien urged me to hurry. I was still rubbing my eyes when he stood at the door with an enthusiastic expression like a child eager to show off a new toy.“Come on, we need to plan everything before the sun gets too hot,” he said.I yawned and tidied my hair before stepping closer. “What plan are you talking about?”Julien grinned widely. “We’ve made a plan for the clinic; now it’s time to work out the details here!”His enthusiasm was contagious, and I felt adrenaline surging through me. “Alright, let me get ready for a moment.”After a few minutes, we sat at a table on the porch, with paper and pencils ready. The morning air felt fresh, and the sound of birds chirping added to our excitement.“So, what’s the first step?” I asked, looking at Julien.“First, we need to determine what’s most important for this clinic,” he replied, jotting down notes. “WeAisha's POV The Paris sky greeted us with gray clouds and a cold breeze that tickled our cheeks. So different from the warm air of the village we had just left. I took a deep breath, the familiar airport aroma felt suffocating—a mix of exhaustion, longing, and the reality that we were back to our old routines.The atmosphere in the airport was bustling, announcements and hurried footsteps reminding me of a busy life. Yet, in my heart, I still felt the warmth of the moments we shared in the village. All the dreams and hopes we planted there felt much more real compared to the hustle and bustle here.“Are you starting to miss the village?” Julien asked, looking at me with a gentle smile.“Yes,” I replied, missing the simple and warm atmosphere we left behind. “I hope everything is going well there.”We walked toward the pickup area, and I couldn’t help but recall the laughter and togetherness we had. “We have to go back,” I said, hoping.
Aisha's POV Every burst of laughter blended with the sounds of nature around us. The chirping of birds and the rustling of the wind seemed to celebrate our moments of happiness. Each step we took felt lighter, as if the burdens that had weighed on my heart began to fade away.“If we could record the village chief’s voice like that, we could make a comedy film,” I said, laughing, imagining how funny that would be if it actually happened.Julien laughed, nodding in agreement. “Yes, and we could invite all the villagers to watch it. They would surely enjoy it.”In that moment, all the doubts and fears that had haunted me seemed to vanish. Every glance, every smile carried a meaning that didn’t need to be explained with words.“I feel like we’re creating something special,” I said, looking at him with hope.“So do I,” Julien replied, his eyes bright. “This is more than just a clinic; it’s about building a supportive community.”
Aisha's POV We walked home along the narrow path, bordered by dense shrubs and trees on both sides. The sound of the river gradually faded behind us, but my heart was still racing like I had just run a long distance. Maybe it was the warm, humid air or the kiss we had shared. Perhaps it was both.Julien walked beside me. Silent. So was I.We didn’t say anything for the first few minutes. Just the sound of footsteps on the wet ground and the chirping of small birds accompanying our steps.Occasionally, I stole glances at him. He looked calm, but from the expression on his face, the way he slightly lowered his head and smiled to himself, I knew he was just as nervous as I was. Maybe even more.Then our hands brushed against each other. Just the tip of a finger. But it felt like a small spark of electricity coursing from my toes to my head. Reflexively, I pulled my hand back.“Sorry,” I said quickly, feeling foolish for being so re
Aisha's POV Hearing that, my spirit soared even higher. “We could also hold discussion sessions to listen to their hopes and needs. Every voice is important in this journey.”We both smiled, realizing that the small steps we took today would strengthen the foundation for a better future. This clinic was not just a building, it was a place where dreams would come true, where hope would grow.“Thank you for bringing me here, Julien,” I said, looking at him with gratitude.He looked back at me, this time for a longer moment. “Thank you for trusting me, Aisha.”The wind blew gently, brushing my hair. At that moment, I knew it wasn’t just this place that was beautiful... but this moment. And perhaps, the person beside me was also part of that beauty. In the silence, we felt an unspoken closeness, as if the world around us had vanished.“Moments like this make me appreciate everything more deeply,” I said, feeling hope flowing within me. “
Aisha's POV Julien walked beside me, hands in his pants pockets, occasionally turning to make sure I wasn't falling behind. “The village chief said the water here is essential for the residents' daily needs. I think if we build the clinic on that land, access to water from here could be very useful.”I nodded, considering how important this resource is. “Absolutely. Clean water is one of the key aspects of healthcare. We can ensure that the clinic has an adequate water supply for both patients and staff.”“And this could also be an opportunity to educate the community about the importance of sanitation,” Julien continued. “We could hold sessions on how to maintain cleanliness and prevent diseases.”“Yes, that’s a great idea,” I replied. “With good access to water, we can teach them how to wash their hands properly and keep the environment clean.”We continued walking, imagining the various possibilities for the clinic. Each new idea fuel
Aisha's POV We both began jotting down ideas and plans for the meeting. It felt like every second was precious, and we didn’t want to waste any time. With determination, we were ready to move forward.As we walked back, I felt the weight on my shoulders begin to lift. With each step, I became more convinced that this dream would come true. We would create something meaningful, not just for us but for the entire village.“Tomorrow we will get started,” I said, looking at Julien with hope.“Yes, and we will do it together,” he replied, a wide smile on his face. We knew this journey was just beginning, and we were ready to face it.I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath of the morning air that carried the scent of wet earth. In this place, perhaps a new hope would be born for those who had never had a choice. Perhaps children like Ratna wouldn’t have to see their mothers faint from weak hearts anymore. Maybe people like Mrs. Narti c