Raising A Human
Epilogue

The patient adjusts the pillows behind him. He pushes himself up higher, to view the news screen that is playing on the wall. The caption is flashed upon the screen in the world’s business language. “Global News Report- Hurricane Sinks Unknown Sea Vessel off the Southeastern American Coast.”

An A.I. voice delivers the remainder of the report. “EP News Agency reports that a large unknown, military style, sea vessel has sunk off the southeastern coast of North America, near the area that was formerly known as Florida. The vessel encountered Hurricane Leiyana, which days earlier had devastated the remaining Caribbean Island nations. Only one survivor has been recovered. The individual is a prominent international figure. Authorities announced that they have identified the survivor as an U.N. Delegate from the West African nation of Burkina Faso, the Secretary of Environment, Moshe Sankara.

“Sankara has been listed as dead or missing for over year, since the infamous Tsunami event of 33. Government officials in Burkina Faso have declined to answer questions concerning the mysterious appearance of Sankara.

“Military personnel report that Sankara, though appearing physically sound and healthy, is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical reports mention his delusional state and the reoccurring statement, “I had to do the right thing!”

“Sankara is being treated at an undisclosed military medical facility. This story will be updated as more information is released.”

A nurse enters the room. She turns off the news feed. She checks on the patient and replaces him awake. “Mr. Secretary, it is time for your meds.”

He pushes himself up and reaches out his hand. The nurse tips the plastic cup and drops the pills in his palm. She hands him a paper cup filled with water. He swallows the pills and the water.

The nurse asks, “Mr. Secretary, is there anything that you need? Something to eat or perhaps, a drink of water?”

“Water, yes. I would like a drink of water. I would like a drink of water from a plastic bottle.” The nurse opens a plastic bottle and hands it to her patient.

“My father once taught me to fill plastic bottles with water from a pond.” The patient takes a drink from the bottle, “it is one of my most cherished memories.”