ABHIMANYU WORLD

Chapter XIII: A Two-Minute Phone

Ever since I got a new job as a translator, I've been busier than usual. If it can usually linger in the rented, now almost never set foot there. I always come home late at night, having to go to the library to borrow the latest English dictionary.

The contract is just a place to sleep. Because early in the morning, must be ready to go to campus. Just night back to the contract. But I'm not complaining. I live it without burden, even though the body feels crumpled. If in the village, when the body is wracked with fatigue, the mother always asks Lek Tono to massage. With a little massage oil spread, Lek Tono is very good at knowing my veins that feel stiff.

Now, I can only enjoy my tiredness alone, without protesting because I realize it's all pointless. Tired is not just tired. Every drop of sweat that is scattered, producing sheets of rupiah.

Dahlia happily gave the money in an envelope. The number may not be too much. But it really is a pride. This is the first rupiah I made with my own efforts.

As usual, the rupiah sheet that I made some of it I kept in a can of used milk containers. Indeed the number is not how much, but I believe in the saying ‘ little by little, long into bukit’.

Wait for me, Lusi.

I will definitely come to your city. It does not carry a handful of diamonds like Bang Thoyib, but there is a piece of heart that is always anxious to miss you.

That night, I wanted to give the body the right to rest. I glanced towards Seiko who was circular at the right wrist of the arm. It's 20:10. I seem to be the last resident of the library. Eager to lay down on his beloved bed, accompanied by the twang of Richard Clayderman's piano.

Clad in physical and mental fatigue, I finally returned to the contract with a pack of fried rice. Since this afternoon I haven't eaten, it's too late for dinner. But it is better to fill the stomach than not at all.

My arrival at the contract was hailed by other residents who seemed to have missed.

“Where are you going, Bro? These few weeks are rarely seen?” ask Doni.

"Why? Kangen huh? "

"Kangen nabok! "

I was eating fried rice in front of the TV while enjoying a quiz show followed by a C-class artist. Uninspiring.

“Busy me now..”.

“Busy selling yourself? Amel nanyain tuh,” Andre also voiced.

“Amel?”

Spontaneously I thought of a thick, red-clothed woman I had met one night at a party. I didn't think he remembered me. But nothing special stuck with me.

Or because of my smile?

“You asked for your HP number, can you?” ask Andre.

“Don't .. don't!” reply spontaneous.

“Why?”

“Do not first!”

“Surely because you can't move on from Lusi!”

Appropriately. That's one of the reasons.

I'm speechless. It seemed like Lusi's charm really shackled the heart. The desire to get to know another girl is almost nonexistent. His sudden passing made me feel very lost. Especially when studying Engineering Mechanics. There is no place to ask and cheat!

“Monday we have UTS!” chirped Farhan who pretended to be busy reading thick textbooks.

Apparently he wanted to distract from the topic.

Indeed, among us Farhan is the most indifferent to the affairs of the opposite sex. He was happy to give an opinion, but to carry it out himself he was very objectionable.

“Please not the same exam! Neither learn,” lamented Doni.

“Although learning the most still can not fuss,” said Andre added.

“That's your mah! If I had learned,” Farhan defended himself.

Farhan's right.

I just realized, that next week has entered UTS week. So busy with my new job, I don't remember about UTS.

Although not too smart, I do not want to carelessly face UTS this time. Losing before a match is not in the dictionary of my philosophy of life. That is, the translation business is temporarily stopped, because UTS needs a soul and body to focus more.

The spirit! You can definitely Bi!

I encouraged myself.

***

For students, the term SKS or Overnight Speed System is no stranger. I also use this method. Towards UTS tomorrow, I stayed up late glaring at thick textbooks and untidy notes. Unfortunately, the brain feels dead. Something else is stirring up the mind.

The phone call from my mother earlier this afternoon immediately collapsed my concentration.

“Go home a minute yo Bi! Your father is sick,” your mother's voice sounded raucous across the street.

“Sick opo to Mak?” my many.

The worry immediately rippled in my heart. Concentration of direct learning is over instantly.

“Old disease relapses,” says mother.

I just remembered my old illness. He has suffered from hypertension for a long time. But the father is a stubborn typical. He always refused to seek treatment or routine blood pressure checks every month. Plus, I like to eat goat satay. It is common knowledge that goat meat should not be consumed by people with hypertension.

That's right, isn't it?

He refused to eat. Whatever his favorite, always eaten without sin. This is what worries me a little.

Now, my worries are at their peak

I heard my mother sigh. I know that he cannot force me to go home either, because here I am also struggling with a series of future tests. Maybe he regretted calling me, because he realized my concentration would be broken because of this.

It does.

The phone for two minutes was able to tear my mind apart. The writings in the book I read seemed to fly. I tried to focus more, but the one that dwells in my mind is only one.

Sired.

In the royal turmoil, I took ablution water. I offer a prayer for a man who has carved my souls, who is now lying sick.

In fact, it felt like just yesterday I felt a burly arm lift my tiny body onto his shoulder and carry on an adventure in the most beautiful place on earth.

Hill on the edge of the rice field.

May God give healing to your father.

***

Early in the morning, I tried to mentally prepare for UTS. I sat up straight, as the problem sheet began to be shared. Darwis looked at me.

“Aready?” ask Darwis.

I'm nodding.

Darwis gave me a thumb with a smile.

Exam's starting.

Now the actual battle drums have been anchored. Downstream-hudik watchdog without getting tired. His eyes did not stop sweeping across the room. Silent atmosphere. I held my breath.

If you were still here, Lusi.

Point by point I work on a test that I don't think is too difficult, but it's not easy.

Alhamdulillahot.

I was able to get through it, although the results are still a puzzle for me.The first day passed smoothly. The second, third and fourth days went as fast as driving on the freeway.

I just learned it. My mind still drifts to my father. But during this test I deliberately pushed away. Just a prayer that I pray to him every day.

The last day of UTS, made me crimp on my chest as if lifted. I left campus feeling satisfied, not caring about the test results.

“Where was the test?” ask Darwis.

“I don't care!” I continued walking.

“Refreshing yuk!” Darwis.

“Where?”

“Walk to Kenjeran Beach!”

“Ngak!”

“Terus...?”.

“I want to go home to Jombang,” I get Darwis.

His face looked disappointed.

“Home next week only,” Darwis's advice.

I'm shaking.

“This is urgent, Dar. I have to go home tomorrow.”

“You want to marry?”

“Ntar aja kuceritain!”

We split up at a crossroads.

Along the way to the contract, I was already unable to focus. My mind was focused on my father. If it's not serious, you can't call.

But, not to mention that my phone contract has rang.

“Mak?” my broom.

“Back now yo, Le” sounds frantic mother's voice.

“What's up, Mak?”

“Your father...."

“Why father?”

“Your father ora ono.." cried mother exploded.

In a moment, I felt my whole bone as stripped. The feeling is mixed. Half-run I towards a deserted contract. All of its residents are still on campus. I have no power to hold back the tears that feed the rivers.

That day I went to Jombang.

***