I bolted awake. A loud knock echoed through my room. I was used to waking up at any sounds, give that I've been on duty in this submarine for over 8 months. It was easy to wake up to almost anything
One of the young junior lieutenants called out my permission to enter. I immediately granted it, thinking that it might be an emergency. No one wakes up a Seal on break, unless he is needed or worse. I'd rather not dwell on the latter.
Fully awake, I sternly stated, "State your business."
"Sir, Captain has called you, up deck. He has some news for you, from the island."
"You may leave. Please inform, Captain that I will be there in 10 minutes"
The lieutenant left while I swiftly put on my uniform. Up deck, I greeted the captain.
" You wanted to see me,sir?"
Captain Barkley graciously greeted me. I've known the old man since I was two. He's a good friend of my dad. He was like an uncle to me.
"Yes, I know you have not used your leave of absence, since you entered the Navy, and you tried to develop your career as a Seal, why not use a few months vacation time?"
I was puzzled. It was true, I've never had a reason to apply for leaves, choosing to go home or relax on the given days off. It's just that I've never had a reason to.
"What are you implying, Sir?"
The Captain's face slightly fell. I knew that face. Bad news. It could be about my work or my family. Either way, I was praying for the former. I knew the difficulty. No matter the degree of the news, the delivery is never easy and never simple. I didn't like to be on the receiving end of that look, nor at the other side.
"I receive a call from the ground. Your mother has called. Your father had a heart attack and is currently confined."
Trained to keep a straight face, I barely blinked at the news, but my response was clear. I had to make my way home.
"I think it's time to go home."
That's how I ended up back in New York, back in the loud city. I didn't exactly have a phone to call anyone. I was always on the go. I informed my mom about my arrival but wasn't able to discuss pick up plans. I was already thinking of taking a cab. When I saw my sister standing in the arrival area lobby with a sign saying, "Obnoxious older brother."
I grinned, holding my chuckle. I can't escape my family even if I tried. I called out to her,
"Why am I not surprised, I'd see you here, Liv."
She gave him a hug, with her perpetual smile on, which she got from our mom.
"I'm here because a certain brother of mine is back in town."
I gave her a small smile. I was used to that. Her scolding me for always being away, but I know that she understands. She knows that I have a reason to love my work, to want to change my track.
"I'm lucky I changed out of my uniform. Seriously, what the fuck is up with that sign?"
My sister laughed. Walking ahead of me, she replied,
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The Doctor and the Navy Seal
RomanceAiden Matthews devoted his life to serving his country, despite graduating from Stanford. When he found out his father had a heart attack, his calling took a back seat. He filed for a leave of absence and rushed to the hospital upon reaching US soil...