1970,Sea Guard

Mr. and Mrs. Benson were among the wealthiest couples in the city. They owned one of the most successful industries, and their mansion—worth millions of dollars—was the talk of the town. People admired them, not only for their riches but also for their generous and philanthropic nature. They were respected as godly people who feared and honored the Almighty. The Bensons believed in helping the poor and supporting the less privileged in society. They had contributed immensely to their community, creating new job opportunities for the youth, teaching them survival skills, and giving them a chance to earn a living. However, behind all the glamour and applause lay a sorrowful truth—Mr. and Mrs. Benson were childless. One fateful morning, Mr. James Benson sat on the edge of the bed, his head bowed in heavy thought, while his wife was in the bathroom brushing her teeth. “Darling, please assist me with that phone; I’m in the bathroom!” Mrs. Paulina Benson called out as the phone kept ringing. But her husband did not respond. After finishing her bath, she came out and was surprised to see James seated in silence, lost in thought. “My dear,” she said softly, “I’ve been calling you, but you didn’t respond. Now I meet you here, looking so troubled. What is it? Share with me what’s weighing on your mind.” James looked at his wife with weary eyes. “My dear Paulina, we have everything—wealth, houses, cars, and honor. But we don’t have a child of our own. That is my worry. Don’t you know that many people in society gossip about our childlessness? It has become a subject of discussion.” Paulina sighed. “I am also troubled. I am not happy about this, my husband. We have gone to different doctors, yet they tell us we are perfectly fine.” “Yes, they say we are fine,” James replied, “but how long shall we remain like this? We are not getting any younger. Time, they say, waits for no man. Who will inherit all we have struggled to build if we leave this world without a child? We have been married for twenty years, yet our quiver is still empty.” He took her hands gently. “My wife, I will never yield to the advice of my kinsmen or friends who suggest I marry another woman. You know my faith does not permit that. Besides, I love you. You stood by me when no one knew us, when we faced struggles and pains. I want you—and only you—to carry my child. No other woman.” Tears welled in Paulina’s eyes. “Thank you, my husband, for staying faithful to me all these years. I, too, want us not to dwell on worry but to put our confidence in God. The same God who lifted us from grass to grace can give us a child. I believe He will do it. Don’t you?” James gave a faint smile. “I hope so, honey.” “No,” Paulina said firmly, “not just hope—believe. Faith moves mountains, and I know God will bring joy into this family.” She quickly changed the subject. “Now, let’s go for breakfast. The servants must have prepared everything by now. And don’t forget, you have that business appointment with the top entrepreneurs at 8 a.m.” “Yes, I know,” James nodded, “but this issue of childlessness weighed on my emotions this morning. Still, since it is God who has brought us this far and made us recognized and respected in society, I will depend on that same God to do the impossible.” They both went to the dining table to eat. The food and necessary utensils were set in place by the servant. As they finished, James cleared his throat. “I almost forgot to tell you—I won’t be able to return home until two days later. After today’s meeting with the entrepreneurs here in the city, I must take a flight to the United Kingdom for another important engagement.” Paulina sighed. “I will miss you, darling.” James smiled warmly, hugging his wife tightly. “Absence only makes the heart grow fonder.” He kissed her forehead and wished her goodbye before leaving. ‎Mr. Benson was assisted by his servant, who carried his briefcase and traveling bag. ‎He opened the door and wished his wife goodbye once more. ‎ His wife quickly ran to him, saying, “Honey, I will miss you.” ‎“I know, my dear wife,” Mr. Benson replied with a smile. “In fact, I have already started missing you.” ‎Mrs. Benson chuckled and said, “Missing me? We are still here together.” ‎“I mean what I’m saying,” he insisted. “Not seeing the face of my wife for four whole days because of this business assignment will not be easy.” ‎She walked with him and accompanied her husband to the car. Mr. Benson got inside while the driver started the engine and the gatekeeper opened the gate. ‎As the car began to move, Mr. Benson closed the window. Mrs. Benson continued waving at him until the car finally disappeared from sight. ‎