17 Chapter 17: Eternal is found from Encouraged Heart

Mahli grinned when the verse she had memorised cross her mind. She finally understood the gist and essence of modesty. Ever since the falls incident the boy volunteered to help at their office. At first Jogli disagreed since their are laws within their capital that kids under the age of 14 are not allowed to take any labour. Tirzha who was the free spirited and a law breaker herself just accepted the kid's request and desire to work with them. Jogli was giving Tirzah an earful sermon about the law being violated. But Jogli got convince when Tirzah stated her opinion.

"Jogli, we are not breaking the law. We are bending it. The boy will just be a coffee maker and your errand boy. The boy wanted to do this. Are you fine by shattering the boy's dream?"

Jogli just agreed when he realised Tirzah won't be listening. Jogli exited the office for a break and visited Elim who was currently having a counselling. He waited for Elim to be done and told Elim Tirzah's on the whimp decisions. Elim served a snack as he listens to Jogli's complain toward Tirzah.

"Vice Chief, She got a point there.I am not telling this because I am in love with her. I am stating this because I am your Pastor. You guys are not breaking the law. You are bending it." Elim explained.

Jogli just sighed and was unconvinced as he sink his teeth on the soft bread roll.

"Vice Captain can I ask you something?" Elim said as he wished to ease Jogli's perfectionist side. Jogli nodded as he tapped his finger on the wooden circular desk.

"Are all legal ethical?" Elim simply asked.

Jogli halted his finger and analyses for a moment and he replied shortly.

"No."

Elim smiled and added.

"Then, are all unethical illegal?

Jogli realises what was Elim trying to convey and finally vanish the sulk unto his face and beamed a "No."

Mahli was trying to cheer Zikre. His magenta pupil are gloomy and his lips are trembling.

"ma'am what if vice chief send me home?" the boy anxiously asked.

Tirzah heared Zikre's concern and smiled.

"How about you go and buy him some present to persuade him?" Tirzah suggested as she winked.

Zikre's spirit got lifted up when he heared Tirzah's support for him.

Mahli held his hand and said.

"I will go with you. Chief can handle the paperworks."

Tirzah tried to stop Mahli from going with Zikre but Mahli had her way when she said that Zikre won't know what to buy for her huaband. Tirzah permitted them to go and now she is arranging the documents that recently arrived from the Mayor. Tirzah hated paperworks one of the reason why she failed her thesis for how many times. Just by looking at the black ink printed on the paper lull her to sleep. But she can't slack off this time.

When she scanned through the writings, one notice and letter caught her attention.

"Pastor's Annaul fellowship at the main Capital for a week."

Jogli returned and was surprised to see their chief holding and arranging paperworks. Jogli can count it as a miracle. He looked around to seek the boy and Mahli who are not around.

"Chief, where is Mahli and Zikre?"

Tirzah just muttered as she finished arranging and signing the files.

"They went somewhere."

Tirzah handed Jogli a bandle of paper and said.

"I have read and signed the documents. Plan something about the project request over there. I will be visiting the museum."

Jogli just nodded, why does it felt like she will be punching him on the face at any moment. Wait! Did he made Zikre cry that's why Mahli went with him? Why does the thick bandle of papers symbolises punishment? Jogli glanced at Tirzah who enter her office. Jogli trailed her since she said she will be visiting the museum. He saw Tirzah jump from her window and paced toward the Pastor's office. Jogli can't help but grin mischievously.

He got closer at the window and shouted.

"Chief, Don't trick me to do all the planning. Why are you with Pastor Elim? You just said your going to the museum. Please stop slacking from work!"

The villagers opened their doors and windows as they cheered and catcalled like the last time.

Tirzah shouted back at Jogli.

"Shut up! I am at work, I just drop by a notice from the Mayor! And why are you stalking? Get back to work!"

The people laughed at Tirzah's angry and furious response. She looked like a kid who got her toy stolen as she gnashed her teeth and raise her fist.

Elim can't help but feel giddy for the overwhelming support he's been recieving from the people. When the villagers caught him pouting because Tirzah won't pay any attention at him. They would encourage him. When he can't approach Tirzah due to the number of crowd and admirers encircling her, they would motivate him. Tirzah's nose hole got bigger. Her veins were visble and she kept stamping her foot as she fuss about Jogli's mischief.

"Here, the Capital sent this, read it. If you need anything just talk to us. I will be going." Tirzah informed as she walked away like a man who is conquering a dungeon.

Elim read through the letter and was excited to join the assembly. When he check out the span of days, his thoughts got a contradicting expression, he won't be seeing Tirzah for a week. His yearning got doubled. He can't even keep a close contact and permanent spot on her life and now he won't be able to steal even a glance for a week. He took an audible breath as he watch her retreating back. Then he recalled what she just said. Maybe he will really need a lot of help.

Zikre returned holding a plate of fried shrimp. Zikre insisted that Mahli should just keep her money since their family runs a restaurant. Zikre wrapped the fried shrimp with plastic and they went back to the office. When Zikre saw Jogli checking a lot of papers, Zikre hesitated to give his gift. Mahli cheered him and he bowed handing his fried shrimp.

Jogli apologised at his words and assigned Zikre to be his messenger and errand boy with the agreement that he will only be working with his parent's consent. Zikre and Mahli rejoiced when Jogli appreciated his present.