I heard their names in the past from my father, but I haven't met them. I remember my brother meeting them once at a family gathering. I was then away pursuing my college education in the city. How do they know me, Ari?
I will ask them today, Sav. I didn't know that your name had been exposed already. Few people knew about our marriage unless one or two of our guests spread it out. I made an announcement then that your name should not be attached to mine for your protection. We discussed that, remember? I am so looking forward to leaving this country so we can go out freely. I don't mean to hide you, but this is the only way to protect you. You understand me, don't you?
Yes, I do. Savannah said.
It's been nice to meet my extended military family. This was my first time attending such an occasion. I met my aunts, my uncle's sisters, and Uncle Tim and Uncle Rex's wives and children. They welcomed me with open arms. Aunt Eden is Uncle Tim's wife and a good cook. She told me to learn how to cook and be a gracious host. She never worked her entire life because she dedicated her life to being the wife of a military general. They hosted many parties in the past when Uncle Tim was still in the force. When he retires, they travel all over the globe but still host parties once or twice a year.Aunt Mimi is Uncle Rex's wife. She worked for a while, but she quit two years after marrying Uncle Rex. The demands of being a military wife overwhelmed her. She was able to adapt after a while. She also hosted parties, picnics, and office events. However, due to pressure, she developed an anxiety disorder. When Uncle Rex retired from the force, they started to farm grapes and other frui
After the early dinner, we had to keep going. Tomorrow will be another challenging day. The Medical Volunteer Initiative will have a meeting to discuss the logistics. Ari told me to attend. Edwin will pick me up at 2 pm. He had a lunch meeting with the bankers' association. I spent the whole morning draftingthe schedule for discussion at the meeting.Then, I received a call from Uncle Rex. He apologizes for Uncle Tim's behavior. Among us siblings, your Uncle Tim was the one in contact and had a complicated relationship with your father. Though there were difficulties in their professional lives, they still connected, talked, and yelled at each other. It's a case of love and hate. He always quarrels with your father and does want to give in, even if your father was right. He felt obligated to protect you because he failed to do that for your father. Both of them were stubborn and their pride was always getting in their way. He thought that by protecting you, he was conne
Edwin picked me up at 1:30 pm to attend the Medical Volunteer Initiative. The attendees were in the conference room when I arrived with Ari. The meeting starts at exactly 2 pm. Allan began by presenting the reception plan for the medical professionals from California, including their lodging and food. Gen Cruz, discussed the local volunteers, doctors, nurses, medical staffers, assistants, transportation, and security officers. Services to be offered to the recipients will be medical check ups, vaccinations, eye checks, basic patient care, taking vitals, dressing wounds, lectures on anxiety and depression, and dental services. The finance and accounting presented the sponsors' donations and detailed lists of expenses. The Bankers Association presented their donations in cash and services. The Medical Practioneer's Association gave a list of local volunteer medical doctors, nurses, and medical staff. Then, it was time for me to present t
Ari has to leave the house at 7 am to brainstorm with his team and goes home at 12 midnight. He had scheduled lunch with the core group, then dinner with the entrepreneur team. He left, I was still sleeping and went home, I was already asleep.For almost five days, we have not seen each other. It is very frustrating and disappointing. Is this the life that I choose to lead now? I am very unhappy. He acted like I didn't exist in his life. We have seldom talked for the last five days. Am I misreading him or is he just busy? At the same time, I have to protect myself from his enemies. I felt like I was imprisoned. I can't breathe anymore. My anxiety kicks in almost every day. At the end of five days of ignoring each other, I called Dr. Zola to request anxiety and depression pills.Sav, Dr. Zola said, "I'd like to see you in my clinic before I prescribe these medications." I can't leave the house. Dr. Zola, I am not allowed to leave the house after the Butterfly Fa
Savannah's in-home consultation with Dr. Cely was in progress when Edwin showed up and handed her the phone.Who is it, Edwin? It's Sir Ari, Mam Sav!Please tell him I am in the middle of something. I can't talk right now. Savannah said.Sir, she can't come to the phone right now. She has a visitor. Edwin responded to Ari.Tell her to call me later!Yes, Sir, I will tell her.After the consultation, Dra Cely prescribed Sertraline 50mg and Lorazepam 25mg. Handed the prescription to Sav and prepared to leave.Thank you, Doc. I appreciate you seeing me on very short notice.You're welcome. Take care of yourself! You can help yourself crawl back to the surface, Sav. Dra Cely said.Savannah just nods and smiles. After the doctor left, Sav handed the prescription to Edwin, gave him some money, and instructed him to buy the meds at the nearest pharmacy. Then she went to their bedroom and laid down on the bed. She felt so exhaus
Hon, please talk to me. I will see a marriage counselor. I promise you that I will be a better husband. Please bear with me, give me sometime to work on this. Then he wrapped his long arm around Sav's body and kissed her on the lips.Then, he whispers, Please don't leave me. I am begging you.The next day, Ben, this is Dr. Zola. I have referred Ari to the number one marriage counselor in the county. Check your email and set up an appointment before it is too late for Ari to fix this.Alright, got your message from Dr. Zola, I am on it.Ben passed on the message to Ari right away. Ari had busy days, but he found time to see the marriage counselor. They talked for two hours straight. Thank you for listening to me Edith. I hope you can draft a resolution to my case. I love my wife.Yes, Gen Ari, I should be done in three days. I will see you then. I would also like to see your wife. Then in two weeks, I would like to see you both in my clinic. Do you think yo
Savannah and Ari see Edith, the marriage counselor. It was a stress-free, casual conversation betweenthem. Two hours of building the structure of their marriage. Edith emphasizes the importance of maintaining interests outside of the relationship and paying attention to one's own self-identity. She explains healthy boundaries to maintain the couples' independence. That may help keep their relationship strong in the long run. Edith continues on with her lectures and both Ari and Savannah are listening.... Helping a partner cope with stress in positive ways, forgiveness, sacrifice, generosity, and gratitude are also features of happy, long-term couples. Talking about your relationship, using humor, and doing fun things together were also noted as important qualities. This session was so informative. I learned a lot about how to deal with my stress and frustration, "Savannah quips. Me too, Ari said. I would like to learn and be a good husband. Now
The door to Ari's office opened and three people entered. Where have you three been? Sav asks Oh my God, Mom...I was stopped by an elderly couple and they asked me if I am your daughter. I said Yes, then the next thing happened, I was grabbed and had a photo shoot with the group. Hahaha. Well, that's good! Both John and Don were dragging the suitcases inside Ari's office. Luke, Jovy... These three wackos are my children too. Meet Don, Karen's husband, John, Sheila's husband, and Mel, Syl's wife. Nice to meet all your children, Sav.We are honored to meet all of you! Jovy said. It was a pleasure to meet Mom's friends, Uncle and Aunty. Mel nods. Don and John nod too. The three wackos hug Sav and Ari. Mom, have you seen the food spread outside? Can we eat it?I am so hungry! John said. Ben will direct you guys to the food station, Ari said! Joining us Mom? Syl said. You go ah