A DEEP WOUND

Flashbacks

I stood with the other students and students in the hot sun. Put the right hand on the forehead, as a shade to avoid the glare of the stinging sun.

I was the only child of Fatimah's mother and my father's name was Muhammad.

Today I am waiting for the school graduation announcement. Where I studied in high school or called Nusa Bangsa High School. Waiting for graduation until noon upset me and the rest of the friends. I had to wait hours for a school graduation. In the year 2000 which is still very far from the word sophistication, I hope that one day the school announcement is announced quickly and does not have to make the students wait long and hot.

After a long wait, me and the other friends finally heard that all the twelve-year-old students and students graduated one hundred percent. All Nusa Bangsa High School students are very happy, as well as me who jumped for joy because I was happy to graduate.

Without waiting for long, I hurried quickly to go home to tell the mother who was at home. By using a simple bicycle, I ride the bike quickly to get home.

My house is a long way from school. I have to use my bike to go to school. Fortunately, my good mother wanted to buy a bicycle.

My house is located in Lombok. The village is far from the crowd. It takes about thirty minutes to get home. And of course, you have to leave early in the morning to go to school.

It was clear, when I arrived in front of the house with a bamboo fence. Bamboo fence that has begun to weathered and a simple house that makes me and my mother feel comfortable to shelter.

I am a girl from Lombok who only lives with her mother. My father died five years ago in an accident.

Unwanted events must happen to the man I have so much respect for, but the departure of the father has become a provision of God that can not be changed by anyone. Mom and I had to take it with a big chest without having to grieve.

“Assalamu’alaikum,” I said while putting a bicycle in front of the terrace of the house.

“ Wa’alaikumsalam,” replied my mother.

“Mother ... Mother. Mom where?”

“Yes, what's up, son?” My mother came out when I called out to her.

“Mother. I passed ...” I said directly hugging the woman I loved so much with excitement.

“Yes Allah, Son. Alhamdulillahot. I am so happy that you finally graduated as well,” said the mother while giving me a soft caress. A caress given by a mother to her daughter with affection. “Now, you change clothes keep eating, yes.”

“Iya, Buk. I'll change clothes first. Oh yes, Buk. Emmm... I so no, school in the cottage?” my question is now staring at my mother's netra.

But instead of answering. He just kept quiet hearing my questions.

“Mmm ... Later mom, now your task is to learn and continue to learn.”

I only nodded as mom encouraged me to keep studying. Even though he looks, he seems confused when answering my question for school in the boarding school.

To be honest, I was afraid that mother would have trouble with my request later. Even though you know how much you want to see me, this only daughter becomes a successful person later.

Anyway, I'm the only hope especially after dad's gone. My mother has no one but me.

Meanwhile, I who heard his answer just nodded assuring as I went to the room to change clothes. I know, if mom's so confused. It was clearly visible on his face. Not to mention he was very difficult in terms of cost.

If he can't send me to college, then I don't want to force. Or make him burdened with my wishes. Because I know mothers are too tired during this time to pay for school and our daily needs.

 

So, all that feels good to do and all because for the sake of looking for a rizki. Although exhausting, I still patiently do it. He said, while the work is halal and patient for us to live. It will feel good for us to do.

 

******

“You cut the banana first. I want to go out and buy cooking oil,” said the mother who will go out to the stall.

“Iya, Buk.”

Before mom came back, I focused on cutting the bananas I was told to. And it didn't take long, only ten minutes for the mother to come with the cooking oil that had been purchased. In addition to working as a farm worker, if there is time he also sells fried foods.

However, selling mobile fried foods is very rarely done. It's just that if there is a new leisure time the mother makes small snacks to sell so that there is extra money for daily life.

“You're done?” mother's reprimand approached me.

“Iya, Buk. It's done,”

“You pour the oil first,” said mother taught me, “later Mom made her dough, Nak.”

I poured cooking oil into the pan. Before the oil is hot, I help stir the dough that has been made. A few minutes later, the oil started to heat up. And I started putting in the dough one by one that was ready to be fried.

Today, the mother has to make fried food that is told by people where she always works as a farm worker. If I don't have activities, like: Tutoring or other extracurriculars.

So I helped work in the paddy field where mom used to work. The fry made was very simple, just a fried banana.

Oh, yes, there is something that mothers often do is make a bamboo fence. As a sasak people in Desaku in addition to the community mostly work as farmers. Some people also work as fence makers made from bamboo that has been sorted and cleaned.

******

“Buk ... hot?” I said with a face that began to blush because the sunlight was so stinging.

“If you are tired, just rest,” replied mom with a sad face and feel sorry to see me. When whining in front of him I saw clearly he actually did not have the heart.

“No, Buk. Later when I quit my job, I don't get a lot of cabbages. And ... if the cab is less, I pay a little later, Buk.”

“Hmm. Yes, but don't push yourself too hard. ‘Kan Working mother too. If you are tired, rest yes,” said mother again by developing a wide smile in front of me.

Mom and I went back to picking chilies. Actually I can't stand having to pluck chilies in the sun so stinging. Often my face flushed when I came home from the rice field after helping my mother. I often feel sad about our situation like this. You have to work hard for a small wage.

At the age of 18, I helped my mother when she was off school. And ... can only help mom if I go home from school fast.

I live in a hut far from the crowd. No need to mention the name of the hut, basically me and my mother live in one of the villages in Lombok or often called the island of a thousand mosques.

In my village most people work as farmers and farm workers. For me, working in the fields is fun. Although it must be hot, it is still a very noble job. So, never underestimate people who work in the fields! As long as it is lawful, it will be respected by Allah.

While on the way home, after a day of work in the fields help mom. Mother advised to be a person who remains grateful and not be a person who quickly complains. Because no matter how heavy the trials of life, if lived with a spacious chest, remain grateful and patient it will be delicious to pass all the pain that comes. And be assured, God has a beautiful plan for every servant. Although God tested his servant in advance with various kinds of twists, but God has every particular leaf for his servant. Because I am a Muslim, I believe in the greatness and the provisions that Allah has set.