Chapter 4
Why should he not be surprised? It was with Jamal that Joe became one of Creamland's top detectives. It was also with him that Joe fought crime, brought justice to the land he lived in and even learned some good things along the way. For Joe, that decision was pretty hard to take, even from a person who is always spirited, no matter what he faced, as young Jamal.
But for Jamal, that was really it. He believed he could not do it anymore. In fact, he had other commitments in mind, especially to his family. To say that he was depressed might be going a bit too far, but lately, since he heard his parents talking about their issues, he did have a slight worry in his heart and mind.
In his mind, among other things, he felt the need to earn something for a living. Make no mistake, he did enjoy becoming a detective, but he himself revealed that, it was not really his thing. He felt that he had other, better things to do. After his bad dream, and a near-death encounter, the end was already in the writing.
The lonely figure said his goodbyes before he walked home, alone, his head pointing to the ground as if in anguish. But he felt it was the right thing to do. Young Jamal's return home was greeted by his family members, who were in cheerful mode, as if hiding the hardships they were currently facing.
However, the look on their child's face was a worrying sign to them.
"Son," Mr. Hashim asked, "is there any problem?"
"Actually," Jamal said, "no. It is nothing for you to worry about."
"If that is what you say," the father said, "just take a rest in your room. You look like you really need it."
"Sure," Jamal said, his face cheering up a little. "I will. Thanks."
"You are most welcome," Mr. Hashim said, before his young son began the walk up the stairs to his dark room.
Jamal sat on his bed, and though for a moment. Now that I quit the police force, what, then, should I do?, a question that he asked for some time. His mind was rolling as he thought of his memories from when he was a child, his hobby, his family, friends, etc. The last thing he thought about was his enjoyment of taking beautiful pictures of nature when he was a young boy, with his father's camera, before going to sleep.
Back at the station, members of the police force could not believe that Jamal left their team.
"This is terrible," Joe said. "How am I going to do my work now?"
"How are we going to do work?" Eddie asked. "With Jamal on our side, he helped a lot. A genius in more ways than one. He also helped you tie your shoes."
"Oh, forget that part, Eddie," Joe said. "Anyway, I asked him, why you chose to quit?"
"What did he say?" asked Eddie.
"Well," Joe replied, "nothing much, just that he had other things to do."
"Certainly," Eddie said, "that is his final decision. I cannot do anything about it, neither can you."
"I know," Joe said with a slightly disappointed look on his face. "But he will be remembered for his work in this force."
"One more thing," Eddie added, "If he wishes to come back, he is allowed to do so right away."
Eddie's words were soon sent via SMS to Jamal, along with other meaningful text messages. Jamal read them, and smiled. However, he woke up in the day with a free mind. He also felt a lot more energetic than he was, and a little less worried about other things. A significant change compared to the day before.
Still, the young man needed to find a way, to raise money for the family. Whatever it was, he headed downstairs for lunch, with a more relaxed look, and ate the pieces of chicken drummettes which were prepared on the table for the whole family.
Mr. Hashim was pleased to see that his son looked happy. Had he looked depressed, the father himself might be disappointed and sad. But it was good to know there is some good news after the misfortune that befell the family just a few days before. In fact, he had more good news that he would share with his family.