The Journalist

Part 25: Replacement Ring

DEG! I could feel my heart beating strongly, echoing like a gong punch. There was a great curiosity in me about his question. Why did he suddenly ask like that?

"Why are you asking about Japanese journalists?" ask after being stunned. Ah, really .. I can't wait to receive her e-mail reply. My eyes are still on the laptop screen.

A message came in a few minutes later. Impatiently, I immediately opened the message and translated it.

"I just suddenly remembered the news about a Japanese journalist who disappeared in a refugee camp and was curious to know his fate."

Reading the reply of his message, made my body seem to slump into the deepest hole.

"Oh, so. I don't know him. But what I read on the news, she was found four days after she disappeared" I replied.

"I also hunt for news. But it was not clear if he was still here or had returned to Japan. There was no news of the journalist after it was found. I'm really curious to know. Is there a news link I can read related to the latest information?"

My eyes again radiated a glint of hope reading his new message. My fingers quickly typed in a reply. "Why do you want to know? Does it matter to you?"

Again my heart throbbed loudly waiting for his reply. It's strange that he asked for a news link just to find out my latest news.

"Because I think he must be traumatized to keep working here. I empathize for the innocent people who are victims of this war" he said.

I exhaled while closing my eyes. It turned out that Zaheera was only empathetic to the events I had experienced.

Yes, news of journalists disappearing or being held hostage has always drawn the attention of the international public. It was only natural that he suddenly remembered that. Maybe my expectations are too high to expect the impossible. The world is too vast to be reunited with people we accidentally met.

"Yes .. could be like that. It could be that she was traumatized by what happened to her." I agreed with her and recalled my farewell to Ameena.

"So, you don't think the journalist's on duty in this country anymore?" This time the message was faster than before.

"Maybe," I answered.

Mina-chan, how are you? Am I the only one curious about your current news? Don't you want to find out about me?

Mina-chan, I'm still here and still not tired of finding out. Hide safely from those who are not human. I will fight for your rights, free the women of this country from the grip of the savage men. I promise!

After getting valuable information from Zaheera, I immediately conferred with my team. I asked Aoba, So, and Eiji for help because they were part of my team. Just like me, the three of them were also dumbfounded and in disbelief.

"Byadapp! How could they carry on in the name of humanity, but do such a thing as an animal!" So it hit the table as soon as it heard the story from me.

"Ayano-san, this would be big news if it was actually released!" Aoba widen the eyes.

"Then we need data and evidence for the truth of the case!" my reply.

"But we are not investigative journalists. Doing this on the sidelines of our main job isn't it too risky? After all, we're all budding journalists just crawling from the bottom, "Eiji looks worried instead.

"All jobs have risks and every profession should benefit many people. As long as it does not violate the code of professional ethics, it should be okay" I said without hesitation.

Aoba hits Eiji's head. "Belda! Why can't you work in journalism if you don't have the soul of a truth-teller!" he continued to beat his girlfriend with a roll of paper.

"Yes .. yes ...." Eiji tried to dodge by hiding behind me.

"Alright, Eiji and I are going to visit some refugee camps. At the very least, we can catch wet with the camera as they take action" I said.

"Depend on us too!" Aoba and So offered.

"Aoba-san, please find out if UNFPA has done any research on sexual violence in the country and find out if there have been any reports from female refugees on this issue," my door.

"Good."

"Su-san ...." I stared at him, "you just need to accompany me!"

"Good."

***

During this ceasefire period, we used to conduct an investigation. Most people only know the job of journalists to report the news. But there is a bigger challenge than that. Journalists also have a role in uncovering facts that are hidden intentionally or unintentionally from people who have power.

We do the division of tasks to split in collecting data and photographic evidence. My target is that news of abuse cases in this country should be lifted immediately in the international media in less than a month.

Zaheera certainly had a big hand in helping me with the investigation. He agreed to cooperate with me even though only by replying to electronic messages. However, he is a native of this country and can have direct dialogue with refugee families. So, I sent a list of questions to interview women in the refugee camp. The results of the interview I wrote will be collected as data and research.

Every night before bed, we take the time to reply to messages. Although what we discussed was only about this case. For some reason, there is a sense of familiarity when chatting with him through text messages. Unfortunately, she was still reluctant to answer when I asked her where she lived. I can only guess that he lives somewhere safe where he can access the internet smoothly.

"Assalaamu'alaikum, Zaheera .. tomorrow my friend who is a journalist will conduct an investigation into one of the refugee camps." I sent him a message at ten in the night. Because, he said his activities were completed at that hour.

"Wa'alaikumussalaam, yes Nissa. May Allah always protect your friend" he replied quickly.

The next day, I went to the dormitory for a cross-border group of doctors. Yes, almost a week Yuna and I did not meet because of our respective activities. When I met because I just wanted to say goodbye to him.

Yuna ran over to me while showing her most beautiful smile. It turned out that she still faithfully used Ameena's veil to cover her head.

"Yuna, I'm going to the Jordanian border with my partner to investigate."

"What do you want to investigate there? Is there a big case that's been covered up?" guess Yuna.

I'm nodding. "This includes humanitarian cases. I'm sure if this case comes to light, it will be quite world-shattering and maybe .. My name can be reckoned as an influential journalist in the future" I chuckled.

Yuna on her tiptoes, then wrapped her hands around my neck. "Then ... turn your jokes into reality. I want to see my lover become a respected influential journalist in the future."

I put my face to his face and said in a whispering voice, "This is not a joke, but it is a determination."

I can not deny, the profession of journalist is still underestimated by many people compared to other professions. Even so, I am grateful to have started my career as a war journalist. Because, war journalists are more considered gallant and honorable and often get world awards. However, this is still not worth it if you are with Yuna who is a prospective surgeon, as well as the son of the army commander-in-chief. Plus, my background as a former Japanese Self-Defense Force had made a big deal. Until now, I was still stubborn to continue to hit the limit and the signs given by the Commander in fortifying his son from me.

I looked at the watch. "So may have been waiting for me. I'm leaving first. I'll tell you when I get there."

"Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"For a while no. Just take care of yourself for me."

"Wait a minute! Don't go yet!" Yuna held me down while running into the building.

Moments later, he came in with a hand filled with several bottles of health drinks.

"Take this to keep your stamina on the way," he said, inserting the bottle into my backpack.

"Yuna, you're too much. Me and So maybe just two days there."

He removed the veil on his head, then moved it on my head. He pulled both sides of the veil until my face was drawn towards him. "Because it's winter, so you'd better take this pashmina instead of a scarf."

I was stunned for a few seconds. Finally, Ameena's veil came back to me. It felt like I had just found a lost item. Even I was unconscious when Yuna landed a light kiss on my lips.

"Yuna-chan, arigatou ...."

"Is there nothing you can give me before you leave?" she asked, wrapped the veil around my neck like a scarf.

I smiled thinly. I pulled on a small rubber plan that tied half her hair. Fold the two rubber until it looks smaller than its original size. Then, think of Yuna's hand gently while pointing the rubber at her ring finger as if she was pinning a ring.

Yuna looked at me deeply as the rubber was perfectly circular on her ring finger.

"I'm sorry, for a while just being able to do this. One day, I'll replace it with a real ring" I said slowly.

Honestly, that rubber ring as my apology to her. Sorry for removing the original ring before giving you a surprise. Sorry for worrying him so much that he came to this place. Sorry for putting himself into a difficult and dilemma position over the years. And sorry .. because I haven't been able to shake off the figure who suddenly controlled my heart and mind.