A Poem To Dila

Leaving Lombok

In the morning after I took a shower I prepared to go back to Rinjani's restaurant, wearing a white T-shirt wrapped in a blue shirt and jeans.

When I arrived at Rinjani's restaurant, I saw Rinjani who was busy guarding the table and serving customers. I approached him with definite steps. "Morning, Rin."

Rinjani replied to my greeting with a friendly smile. "Morning too. Are you ready? What are you going to eat today?"

I only replied with a small smile, showing my wish. "Chicken burns like yesterday, Rin."

Rinjani wrote my order and went to give the paper to the person in charge of the kitchen. “Shortly yes, you can sit down just aja.”

I walked to the seat like yesterday, I saw the crackers at the table and I ate them, to prop my stomach up before the food I ordered came.

I followed Rinjani's advice and looked for a comfortable seat. The atmosphere of the Rinjani restaurant this time feels more alive with the presence of some customers who are enjoying breakfast. Its seductive aroma wafted in the air, inviting a tempestuous appetite.

I looked around, seeing the interaction between Rinjani and the other customers. Rinjani patiently serves every request and with her warm smile, creates a friendly and pleasant atmosphere.

This is the food" Rinjani said, carefully placing a grilled chicken plate that was still emitting fresh smoke in front of me.

“Still yes, Rin.” While watching with great admiration the dish that was before me. The seductive aroma of the spice slipped into my nose, stirring up the taste buds that had been gaping ever since.

Rinjani, who was sitting in front of me, was also preparing to enjoy her own dishes. His gaze expectantly looked at me. "Eh, so where are we going now, Deni?"

I thought for a moment about the choice Rinjani offered. "Whatever, Rin, I'll go with you."

Rinjani seemed to rack her brain, trying to find a suitable place for us to visit. "Hmm, what about Selong Hill? It's a little far from here, but right behind Mount Rinjani."

I nodded in agreement, interested in Rinjani's choice. "We can go there, Rin. I like a quiet, quiet atmosphere."

“Yaudah we went there aja.”

After I finished eating, Rinjani and I rushed to the parking lot where my rented Jeep was parked. The morning sunlight broke through the trees, creating shadows that danced around us. Rinjani eagerly climbed up to the passenger side, while I entered the driver's position, ready to bulldoze the way to Selong hill which is behind Rinjani mountain.

I turned on the engine of the car, feeling the vibration and power of the engine ready to take us to our destination. Rinjani gave me the directions I had to follow, reminding me that the journey to Selong hill by car can take a bit longer. He called the estimated time around two hours until we reached our final destination.

I nodded, watching the path that had to be passed carefully. The route this time will take us through winding roads, through green hills, and face the challenges of terrain that may be challenging. However, the spirit of adventure and the burning curiosity within me made me impatient to explore the beauty of Selong hill.

With a heart full of enthusiasm, I stepped on the gas pedal slowly, moving the Jeep forward. We both felt the vibrations of every beat of the wheel that faced the road that was not always smooth. Although a long journey awaits, I am ready to face whatever we will meet along the way to the promising Selong hill.

After going through an uneasy journey for two hours, Rinjani and I finally arrived at the top of Selong hill. The Jeep car stopped at a parking area located on the edge of the hill, giving us an amazing view all around.

I got out of the car, feeling the cool breeze sweeping across my face, as well as the beauty of the panorama unfolding before me. Selong Hill, with green trees and a vast expanse of grassland, makes this view so stunning. In the distance, Mount Rinjani soars valiantly with its peak wrapped in white clouds.

We both walked closer to the edge of the hill, watching the stunning natural panorama. Beneath there, the green valley is spread with a stream that adds to the beauty of the landscape. Bright blue skies adorn this scene, with sunlight shining down on all corners with warmth.

Rinjani stood beside me, her smile radiating in pleasure. “Look at this beauty, Deni. Selong Hill is indeed an incredible place, right?”

I could only be fascinated, observing the natural beauty that was so mesmerizing. In my heart, I feel lucky to be able to enjoy the beautiful moment on top of Selong hill that I have achieved after a long journey.

"It's cool here too, and again the view is great." I said as I sat in front of the car, feeling the breeze of the mountain breeze that touched my face gently. While staring at the beauty of Selong hill, I felt like I was carried away by the natural charm that was so soothing.

Rinjani sat beside me, looking at the same scene. "By the way, why did you get to Lombok? You're from Bogor?" he asked while looking at me curiously.

I thought of the right answer, trying to string together words to explain the coincidences and destiny that brought me to this island. "I'm just following the wind, Rin. Sometimes, life brings us together with unexpected things, and I'm suddenly stranded here."

Rinjani looked at my face closely, like looking for a deeper answer. "Where can that be, is it that there must be a cause for the consequences, and you can get here too there must be a reason?" he said with complete confidence.

I smiled at Rinjani's words, feeling the warmth from her understanding eyes. "I don't know how to explain it either, Rin. Sometimes, destiny plays an elusive role, and there may be a certain reason why I'm here."

Rinjani nodded in understanding, then continued, "I've only seen this time people who vacation here only by themselves, usually if not the same partner with his family."

I muttered and thought about the words from Rinjani that reminded me of my partner. Every word is like piercing my wounded heart. "The couple."

"Yes" said Rinjani, nodding her head.

When Rinjani said the word "Pair" at once I remembered the figure of Dila. The shadow of our warm meeting, the smile we gave each other. Remember when we were both at the top, spending an unforgettable night. However, it all ended in a farewell that I could not afford.

In an instant, my tears began to drip without me noticing. "Ah, sorry-sorry," I said while trying to hide my sadness. "I'm just daydreaming."

Rinjani, who saw me shed tears, immediately apologized to me. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad. You must have your own reason why you got here."

I tried to smile, wiping away the tears that were dripping in my eyes. "No papa, I just slipped." I'm trying to switch the conversation. "Where are we going after this?"

Rinjani muttered as she thought about her next destination. "Hmmm, what time is it?"

I saw the watch placed on my wrist. "It's two o'clock."

Rinjani took a breath, seemingly thinking of the right destination. "What if we go to Malimbu?"

I smiled and agreed. "Yesterday I went there anyway, but yaudah is fine. The atmosphere there is beautiful."

We both got back in the car and continued our way to Malimbu hill, where I had witnessed the beauty of twilight yesterday afternoon. The scorching sun was still shining down on our journey, and my thoughts continued to drift on Dila.

"Can I turn on the tape?" rinjani asked while pointing to the car stereo.

Rinjani also turned on the tape and played a song called "Resah becomes a Wound" from the Fallen Leaves. I saw the cool Rinjani listening to the song, and just a small smile.

"Do you like this song?"

"Ehehehe, little si. What if you like a song?" rinjani replied with a smile.

"Like the songs from Fourtwnty, which I currently listen to a lot is 'Pink Pana'." I replied while remembering the melody and lyrics of the song.

Rinjani was surprised to hear my answer. "Do you like indie songs?"

"I like indie songs, but only a little."

The music from the tape filled the car room, creating a more intimate atmosphere between us. Our journey continued with the rhythm of the music that accompanied, we headed to Malimbu hill

Arriving at Malimbu hill, Rinjani and I got out of the car and started walking towards the top of the hill. The trip to Malimbu hill takes about ten minutes from our current location. The air around us was fresh with a gentle breeze.

I saw Rinjani who looked enthusiastic as she went up this hill. "Do you like it here?" my question, while reaching into the pocket of pants to take a cigarette.

Rinjani smile. "It's rare, but every time I get upset or heartbroken, I always come here."

I just smiled at Rinjani's words. As time approached five o'clock in the afternoon, sunlight began to slowly slide towards the horizon.

"There will soon be a sunset. Uh, you said you've been here, right? When's that?" Tanua Rinjani's.

"Yesterday." I answered while holding both fingers together to light the cigarette I just took out.

"So you spent the same afternoon in the same place?"

"Yes, you could say that." I answered while letting out cigarette smoke slowly, creating an ash-colored trail in the twilight air that was increasingly dazzling.

After arriving at Malimbu hill, Rinjani and I sat on the seats available there, enjoying the breathtaking view of the blue sea and the sky that began to emit orange twilight.

“You like twilight?” rinjani asked while looking at me who was silent looking at the beauty of the sea and sky.

Instantly, the memory of the beautiful moments with Dila while enjoying the twilight on the beach and on the ring ambushed my mind. “I like it so much, even want to have it myself,” I replied with a smile.

“Have it yourself? But doesn't that twilight belong to everyone?” rinjani asked, showing a sense of astonishment.

I just chuckled while responding to Rinjani's words. “Ahahaha, sorry-sorry, I've been slamming it. I mean, I want to feel the peace and beauty of that twilight in person, in moments that are special to me.”

Rinjani nodded in understanding with a smile. We were both silent for a moment, enjoying the silence on top of Malimbu hill while gazing at the twilight that was getting alluring.

“Rin?” I called out to Rinjani who was beside me. We sat on the Malimbu hill, with an increasingly dazzling view of twilight before us.

“If you can use time machine, you want to use for what?” I asked, pulling Rinjani into a delusion.

“Timing machine? Exists? Hmmm, I don't know what to do. If you could use a time machine, what would you like?” ralajani, with curiosity.

I stared at the growing orange twilight, pondering for a moment before answering. “I want to meet someone who's gone from my life. I want to go back to the good times with her, take her on a boat ride, feel the pounding of the ocean waves, and sink together while meeting the whales.”

Rinjani just laughed at my words that started to slur. “Ahahaha, you are a real weirdo yes, but it sounds romantic anyway if it can be like that.”

I just smiled a little, responding to Rinjani's comment. However, inwardly, I knew that right now I should be enjoying the twilight with you, Dila. After losing you, I lost my way in life. Ever since you left, there's been no more women that interest me. You are the only one still in my heart.

One week passed, I spent my days with Rinjani who was my tour guide in Lombok. Before preparing to continue the journey, I decided to say goodbye to Rinjani first.

“You're serious about leaving now?” rinjani asked with a sad face.

I just smiled as I looked towards Rinjani. “My adventure is still long, Rin. I can't stop here. Thank you for your help during this week.”

Rinjani wrinkled her face after I revealed my intention to leave. “Hmm, so yes.”

“But don't worry, Rin. One day I'll be back here, and if I come back, you want to be my guide again?”

Rinjani smiled a little. “Not in a week you have memorized all the tourist attractions here?”

I laughed at his comment. “Ahahaha, maybe yes, but who knows later there will be many changes and new places that I will explore.”

Rinjani smiled with hospitality. "Yes, if you come back here again, I'll be happy to be your adventure guide again." While saying so, Rinjani gave me a plastic bag containing food. "It's food for you, who knows later on the trip you'll be hungry."

I watched the plastic bag enthusiastically. "What's this?"

Rinjani smiled widely. "Your favorite food, of course."

"Burning Taliwang, right?" guess me with a smile.

"Fright! As long as you're here, that's your favorite food menu" Rinjani replied with a nod.

I could only laugh happily while taking the plastic bag of food from Rinjani's hand. "Thank you very much, Rin. I'm leaving first."

Rinjani gave a farewell carefully. "Be careful on the way."