Chapter 8 I first met Joseph at a refugee camp in Meridia .
The eastern region of the Nyara Republic was in turmoil at the time .
Armed groups , driven by the scramble for mineral wealth and ethnic rivalries , regularly raided villages , forcing hundreds of thousands to seek sanctuary in major cities .
When I arrived at the camp , several physicians were attending to a young girl .
She had sustained injuries from an explosion , with shrapnel lodged in her ear canal .
Her violent thrashing and piercing cries made the medical team hesitant to proceed .
Joseph ! someone called out .
A tall figure stepped forward .
After assessing the situation , he unexpectedly produced a deck of playing cards from his white coat and began performing sleight of hand tricks .
The girls attention was immediately captured , her struggles ceasing , allowing the doctors their window of opportunity .
As the metal fragment clinked into the surgical tray , the cards in Josephs hands had vanished , replaced by a delicate violet native to Azora .
The girl gazed in wonder , tugging at his sleeves in search of the disappeared deck , but found nothing .
She burst into delighted giggles , pulling at her parents clothing with excitement .
Joseph presented the flower to the child and guided her grateful parents out of the medical tent .
The scene was so striking that I couldnt resist capturing it on my phone .
The cameras shutter caught his attention .
He turned , slightly startled , and inquired in French , We dont see many new faces here .
Where are you from ? America , I responded .
His eyes brightened as he switched to English .
Im Joseph .
Currently stationed in Meridia .
Where did you get that flower ? I asked , intrigued .
Fresh blooms were a rare sight in the camp .
He beamed with pride .
I grew it myself .
Would you like to see ? Following him to his quarters , I discovered an ingenious garden he had crafted from salvaged materials foam containers , plastic bottles , and broken tiles .
The space flourished with local violets , daisy , tropical orchids , and native azaleas .
What made you decide to grow these ? I asked .
He casually propped his feet on the table , responding with quiet conviction , Because flowers bring joy .
-A 17:43 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 21.1 % Chapter 8 .
Noting my puzzled expression , he let out a soft laugh .
Youre probably thinking food , clean water , and medicine should take priority , and flowers are an unnecessary luxury , right ? I nodded .
His voice grew gentle but resolute .
Everything here pushes people to forget beauty , but flowers remind them theyre alive that theres still something worth anticipating .
Where theres hope , theres life .
A confident smile played across his features as he winked .
Thats why flowers matter .

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His optimism and passion radiated like a beacon , resonating deeply within me .
I found myself transfixed by his vibrant spirit .
Being the only two from US in the entire camp , we naturally gravitated toward each other .
Contrary to my initial impression , Joseph was fiercely dedicated to his work .
He shared comprehensive data on casualties and treatments , and even guided me through my first surgical procedure a successful emergency cesarean delivery .
Later , he noticed an alarming pattern in AIDS related deaths at the camp .
Weve been distributing antiretrovirals , yet the mortality rate keeps climbing … That doesnt add up unless theyre not taking the medication , I observed .
Let me investigate , I volunteered .
After interviewing numerous refugees , I uncovered a disturbing truth : nearly all distributed medications , not just antiretrovirals , were being traded on the black market .
Dealers would exchange bags of moldy cornmeal for these life saving drugs because the refugees immediate need to feed their families outweighed all other concerns .
Joseph and I risked our safety to alert the United Nations , triggering international media coverage .
The UN World Food Programme mobilized swiftly in response .
When the relief convoy finally arrived , an unprecedented wave of jubilation swept through the camp .
We worked tirelessly , treating the sick and distributing supplies until exhaustion overtook us .
After handing the final sack of potatoes to a mother cradling her infant , Joseph and I collapsed against a trucks side panel .
He turned to me , his smile as brilliant as the morning sun .
Zoey , thank you .
For what ? Before you arrived , I could only watch helplessly as they suffered .
You showed me purpose and helped the world see both them and us .
17:43