Selim got dressed and went to the dining room.Yusuf and Zehra sat down at the table.Suddenly,Yusuf coughed and he covered his mouth with his right hand.After looking at his palm,he concerned.His palm was full of blood.
-My darling,why did you cough blood?Are you sick?
-I am clueless,Zehra!-Yusuf coughed and now his left palm got bloody.
-You have to get treated by a doctor,father!Do you know any doctor nearby?-Selim burst into tears after seeing Yusuf like this.
-I know,Selim.His name is Mustafa.
-Can you precisely tell me where is his house?We can't waste any minute!
-His house is in our neighbourhood.It is painted in white.It has red roof.
-Alright,I am going right now.I promise,that I will return soon.
-I am counting on you,son!-Yusuf smiled and winked at Selim.
Selim got up quickly and went out.He was walking swiftly and attentively observing each house.Finally,he found what he was seeking.It was the last house in this neighbourhood.Selim knocked on the door twice.A middle-aged,white haired man in his early 50s opened the door.He looked at Selim from head to toe and asked him:
-Who are you,little boy?What's going on?
-I am the son of your neighbour-Yusuf.We were having breakfast and at that time,he coughed blood.His both palms were full of blood.I suppose,that he is ill.Could you just come with me,sir?
-Now,I see.Of course,I will come.It is my duty to take care of my patients.You just wait for me right here.I will fetch my medicines and tools.
-Yes,doctor.-Selim responded and turned around.
Selim spotted his classmates going towards the madrassie.His classmates noticed him too and saluted him:
-Good morning,Selim!What are you doing here?
-It is apparently not good morning for me,Jemal!
-Why,Selim?
-My father is sick and I came here,to the doctor's house in order to take him to my house.My father must get treated by doctor Mustafa.Can you inform muderris Zulfikar about this matter?
-Certainly,Selim!Don't worry at all!May your father get well soon!-Jemal smiled at him and went to the madrassie with his classmates.
In the meantime,doctor Mustafa came out.Soon,Selim and Mustafa reached Yusuf's house and entered inside.Yusuf and Zehra were still sitting at the table.Selim came closer to them:
-I brought doctor Mustafa to you,father!
-Thanks,Selim!Please,go to the madrassie.You can't miss your lessons.
-No,I won't go,father!
-Selim!Go now!
-Untill doctor takes a look at you and tells you what is wrong with you,I won't go anywhere!
-Okay,stay Selim!Mustafa,come please!
Mustafa sat down on the chair in front of Yusuf.After taking a look at his palms,he asked Yusuf:
-Do you have trouble with breathing,Yusuf?
-Yes,sometimes it's like I am suffocating.
-I observed your both palms and you have trouble with breathing.I already know,what is this desease.
-Tell me!
-It is tuberculosis.Unfortunately,there is no cure for this illness.If you are suffocating right now,that means,that this sickness reached its final moment.
-How much time do I have left?
-1 month or less.
-Thank you,Mustafa!
-You don't have to thank me,Yusuf!What have I done?I have only disappointed you.
Selim saw Mustafa off and hugged Yusuf.He was crying bitterly in Yusuf's arms.Yusuf caressed him on his hair and looked at his weeping face:
-Do you love me this much?
-How can I not love you?You adopted me,fed me,took care of me,treated me like your own son,which you never had.Is any man capable of doing what you have done?
Yusuf wiped Selim's tears and snuggled him.Zehra was looking at them.She was crying and smiling at the same time.