LOVE PROMISES

The smell of death now permeates the air, and fear and poverty envelop the entire city. The innocent natives have always been the target of the fierce warfare between the two camps, fighting for territory. The conflict between Japan and China had been escalating since the early 1930s. The Japanese military in Manchuria began orchestrating bombings near railway lines, which became known as the Mukden Incident.

In 1937, Japan became more aggressive and brutal in its ambitions for world domination, leading to an escalation in hostilities between the two sides. The tension rose like a fire doused with gasoline, a phrase that aptly describes the worsening conflict between the two nations. This marked the beginning of the Nanking Massacre in China on December 13, 1937.

“What are you doing here? Get out of our place! You all are not allowed come here.” pleaded a brave girl in her typical doctor’s outfit, as she stood her ground and tried to drive away a group of Japanese soldiers who had entered her makeshift medical tent without permission.

Suddenly, one of the soldiers pointed his gun swiftly at the girl blocking his path. His eyes began to stare sharply and frighteningly.

“Ma'am, step aside, or this bullet will go through your stomach, and you’ll live a miserable life if you stand in our way,” threatened one of the soldiers, his long barrel aimed, ready to shoot anyone who got in his way.

The girl reluctantly stepped back, allowing the soldiers to enter and inspect the makeshift tent set up by the Chinese government. Suddenly, chaos erupted as everyone began to scream hysterically when the Japanese soldiers started destroying everything inside the health tent.

“Everyone shut up! Get down! I said get down!” barked the troop commander, pointing his gun at them fiercely. The command terrified everyone into submission; they fell to the ground like servants before their king. The atmosphere grew tense; everyone fell silent in fear. They obeyed rather than risk being shot to death.

The soldiers began seizing all the medical equipment and supplies in the tent. They didn’t want the natives to survive this war, believing that the growing resistance against Japan’s occupation was due to people receiving medical aid.

“Don’t take all our medicine! Isn’t it enough that you’ve colonized our country? We can talk about this properly; there should be no violence here. Please, allow us to live in peace” shouted a middle-aged man in a white coat, likely a volunteer doctor working in the tent, trying to stop the merciless soldiers.

“Shut your mouth, old man!” one of the soldiers shouted before firing his gun. The elderly doctor collapsed, his coat now stained with fresh blood.

The gunshot caused more screaming, and children cried hysterically at the violent scene, witnessing the inhumane actions of the Japanese soldiers. After looting the tent, the soldiers left, leaving destruction in their wake.

“Is Doctor Lim alright?” panicked several members of the medical team, rushing to the doctor who had been shot. A male nurse checked the doctor’s pulse and confirmed his heart was still beating—there was still a chance to save him from the death.

“Doctor Fen, Doctor Fen!” shouted a nurse loudly, calling out for another doctor known for her experience with gunshot wounds.

Jiao Fen, a young doctor, had dedicated her entire life to serving her country as a volunteer medic. Her goal was to protect innocent lives, including children, old people and to fight for her homeland’s freedom from colonial rule. She was willing to risk her own life, whether by gunfire or bombing, as long as it meant defending her country.

“His heart is still beating. Take him to the room quickly for treatment,” Fen ordered.

“Yes, ma’am,” responded the team, quickly moving Doctor Lim on a stretcher to a room designated for shooting victims who needed urgent care.

“What happened to Doctor Lim?” asked another doctor.

“The Japanese came, took all our medical supplies, and when Doctor Lim resisted, they shot him. Now we have nothing, and the number of patients increases every day. I’m afraid we won’t be able to save them,” Fen said, lowering her head as she fought back tears.

“Take Doctor Lim to Doctor Yuan’s room immediately!” the man ordered.

Several medical staff rushed Doctor Lim to Doctor Yuan, a renowned surgeon in the city, hoping that his life could be saved after the brutal attack.

“Never mind, Fen. You’ve done a good thing. Remember, life and death are all in God’s hands. After the rain, there will be a rainbow. Happiness will follow after the pain, right?” said Doctor Yu Jiang, gently patting Fen’s shoulder to encourage her.

“I’ll keep doing my best until our country is free from the clutches of the invaders, and we can all live happily again,” Fen responded with a determined smile.

Yu Jiang was a young doctor who shared Fen’s goal. He had previously worked abroad in the United States but returned home to volunteer in the war-torn city. The horrors of war became their daily reality—blood, death, and the suffering of their people.

“Back to work, Fen. If you need anything, just let me know,” Yu said, saluting Fen.

“Thank you, doctor. Is Doctor Lim going to be alright? I can’t bear leaving him alone,” Fen asked.

“Don’t worry. If anything happens, I’ll come and tell you immediately,” Yu assured her with a smile.

Fen returned to her station and rushed out of the small hospital behind the makeshift tent. Her resolve grew stronger, her fear diminished, and she was ready to face the Japanese soldiers again. She would fight with all her might to protect the lives of the 1,000 souls under her care.

Suddenly, there was a rumbling noise in front of the tent, signaling the arrival of several patrol cars. The stomping of boots indicated the presence of more troops—likely five or ten cars full of soldiers. The commotion unsettled everyone, filling the air with anxiety.

“Ma’am, are the Japanese forces coming again?” a child whispered in Jiao Fen’s ear, startling her with the innocent yet fearful words.

“You don’t need to be afraid. I’ll take care of you. Just stay here and don’t go anywhere, promise?” Fen said, offering her pinky finger for a promise.

“Promise!” the three children responded, linking their fingers with hers. These children, scarred by colonial cruelty, bore small wounds on their heads and feet. They should have been playing happily with friends, but instead, they were suffering because of the war.

Fen mustered her courage and stepped outside to check the situation. Despite her fear, she was ready to face whatever awaited her—even if it meant being shot or captured by the Japanese soldiers. As she peeked from behind the tent, she saw several people in military uniforms. Tears welled up in her eyes as she took in the scene. Who are they?