Aaron exited the room, and Eve let out a sigh of annoyance. Seconds later, Clarity opened his eyes.
Eve smiled, whispering, "You’re awake?"
"A long time ago," he replied, "but I was waiting for your brother to leave."
"How do you feel?"
"My whole body aches." Clarity struggled to sit up.
"I’m truly sorry, Clarity. My brother thought you were trying to kidnap me as part of the gang."
"It’s alright, it wasn’t your fault. But... Eve, there is a question I’m curious about, and I’ll get straight to the point: Is the leader, Bruno, really your uncle?"
"You heard that?"
"The entire hospital heard your argument, so how could I not!" He smiled, though the pain flared again.
"Don't talk, you need to rest. And since you heard, it is as you heard. Bruno—the one you call the 'Leader'—is our uncle, our father’s half-brother."
Clarity’s eyes widened. He asked, bewildered, "Then why doesn't he have authority in the country? Why does he seek it through illegal means?"
"I wonder if I should tell you!"
"I would be truly grateful if you did. It is a matter of life and death for me to know the truth about the Leader."
"Is it? The story is long and not widely known. No one really knows that Bruno is the son of my grandfather—the Ruler, as you call him. Everyone thinks he’s just an outlaw. But in truth, he is my grandfather's son, raised with my father and uncles. My grandfather used to say Bruno was always the best, the strongest, and the smartest."
She continued, "You know well that our country is divided into four cities, each with a High President. Light City is headed by my eldest uncle, Steve. Hill City belongs to my uncle Mark. Green River City to my uncle Dan. And our city—the largest and strongest, the capital—belongs to my father, who is actually the youngest."
"And where does the Leader stand in the hierarchy?"
"He is older than my father. But my grandfather never gave Bruno a city to rule, despite him being the most qualified. He was excluded due to many conflicts—including my father’s objection and claim to the presidency, arguing that Bruno was the son of my grandfather's second wife, whom he divorced quickly. The dispute ended after a tragic incident: the death of Johann, Bruno's only son. After that, Bruno abandoned everything."
"And then?"
"My father took over the capital, Bruno separated from his wife, and vanished. Then, suddenly, he returned, wanting the throne."
"Will the Ruler leave it to them? I know the Leader wants to rule. Our slogan in every meeting was: 'The Capital for the Leader, and the Leader is the Capital.' Perhaps your grandfather wants to see who wins this final conflict."
"It seems so."
"But doesn't your grandfather... the Ruler... know this might end like their previous conflict? Many might die this time."
"He doesn't care. He is a cruel man. Oh, every time I think he’s returning at the end of the week, my heart trembles. You’ve had enough for now, try to get some rest. I’ll see the doctor and come back."
Jake entered the building carrying food. He placed it on the desk in the office where Apollo was sleeping. "It’s as if he’s achieved his greatest dream!" Jake whispered, looking at the sleeping man. "Look how comfortable he looks."
Apollo opened his eyes and jumped up. "What are you...?"
"What am I doing here? I brought food."
Jake set the food down silently. Yes, this was his life these days: delivering food, cleaning grounds, washing and ironing clothes. But be patient, Jake. The path to the top is truly difficult.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Eve entered the doctor’s office. "How is he, Dr. Jack?"
"He’s fine regarding the bruises, but... does he suffer from an illness? His body is very frail; his health is generally deteriorating."
Eve looked worried. "Then run a comprehensive check-up."
Jack turned to another doctor. "Watson, run a full check on this patient."
Watson looked at the file. "Isn't this the same Clarity you brought in before?"
Eve nodded. "The same one!"
"I’ve already examined him," Watson noted. "He has a benign stomach tumor."
Eve stood up, shocked. "What?!"
"Yes, I told him his condition, but he refused treatment."
"Are you sure?" Eve asked nervously.
"Yes. You can see it for yourself; he is thin and weak."
Jack added, "Your brother, Aaron, said he vomited frequently while being transported here. Now I understand why."
"Is his treatment simple?" Eve asked.
"Yes, it could end with a surgery. I told him he must do it, as his symptoms are appearing and threatening his life, but he said he had no money."
"Schedule his surgery immediately!" Eve commanded.
At sunset, Eve entered the room. Clarity was staring out the window. "The doctor said you can be discharged."
"Really? That’s good."
Eve moved closer. "But Clarity, is there something you’re hiding from me?"
"What?" Clarity’s innocent features were lit by the orange sunset.
"The tumor in your stomach. Is it something that can be hidden?"
Clarity’s calm expression turned to annoyance. He braced his hand on the window ledge. "It’s my business, so I can hide it."
"But your life is in danger!" Eve snapped. "Look at you—you’re thin, your health is failing. I thought you didn't like the food we provided, but it turns out you can’t eat it!"
"I’m sorry to make you worry."
"You will have the surgery!"
"Impossible!" he screamed. "I won't do it now!"
"Why? I’ve already booked the appointment!"
"Cancel it!" he said, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and anxiety. "I cannot do it now, and I cannot let you bear the costs of my treatment!"
"Clarity! This isn't about costs; it's about your life!"
"Look, I can still breathe! I can eat enough to get through the day. I won't have it done with anyone else's money. Please..." He grabbed her hand with both of his. "Take care of my mother. I will be fine as long as she is well. I want to see her in good health, I want to see her smile when she sees me." Tears sparkled in his eyes. "You cannot imagine how painful it is to be a child hated by his mother! This child is suffering! She is everything to me. These tears are truly blood. I am the reason she reached this state, so I deserve what has befallen me."
"Who convinced you of this?" she said sadly. "You have nothing to do with it; her illness started long ago."
"She was neglected!" he interrupted. "She had been suffering, and this wretch before you ignored it. Let this wretch suffer what he deserves."
"But—"
"It is finished."
Clarity stood up, grabbed his jacket, put on his shoes, and approached Eve. "Thank you," he said with a soft smile. "Keep my illness a secret. I will work and earn the money for my treatment since I am able. Until then, keep it a secret."
He walked out, leaving Eve to whisper to herself, "Then I will have to force him!"
Two days later, Clarity returned to work. After a grueling day, he entered Eve’s office to wait for her, only to hear voices behind a corner. He realized it was Eve and her father, the President of the Capital, Conar.
"I told you I won't get married!" Eve shouted.
"Eve, just meet him!"
"Father! I’m not objecting to that young man; I’m against the idea of marriage entirely! I don't want it right now!"
"And will you continue working here? Like a fool? Trying to gain others' approval without any real benefit?"
"I am working hard to fix your endless mistakes! And in the end, I’m only mentioned as 'your daughter.' But I won't stop here. I’ll do what I want!"
"What mistakes are you talking about?"
"Father! Poverty is eating the capital and you ask what the mistake is? If things continue like this, Bruno might win!"
"Shut up!!" Conar turned in a rage, only to find Clarity standing there. "Who are you!"
"An employee here," Clarity answered nervously.
"Were you spying?"
"I came to speak with the Director and happened to meet you."
"Why don't you lower your gaze! Eve, who is this wretch?"
"Father, he’s just an employee."
"Teach him to lower his gaze when speaking to those of higher status and age! I’m leaving. Come home tonight; your grandfather is coming."
Conar left. Clarity mocked, "So that’s the President? He’s shorter than me."
"Hush, boy! You’re just tall. And what brought you here?"
"I wanted to ask you something. My work hours are over... may I go out for a bit?"
"It’s fine. Take care of yourself."
Clarity finally left. He walked with long strides, his mind racing. He stopped at the gang's building, thinking of a way in. He grabbed a metal pipe to climb toward Jake's room, but was interrupted by a gang member.
"Why are you here? You know you're wanted!"
"To see Jake."
"You won't find him there. You'll find him in the warehouse."
Clarity took a shortcut. The warehouse was empty. He cautiously opened the door to the storage room—Apollo's room. His eyes widened.
Jake was there... sleeping. Clarity rushed to him. Jake’s eyes were bloodshot, his skin pale, his breathing rapid.
Clarity whispered, "Jake?"
Jake opened his eyes, sat up, and looked at him. "Why are you here?"
"I’m the one who should ask! Why are you here? Why would the Commander be sleeping here?"
Jake let out a faint sigh. "Because I am not the commander anymore."