ALVIN Trying to Rise

Eating provisions

...Happy Reading's...

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Alvin was quite surprised when he saw the contents inside the package of banana leaves. It turns out that there is rice and side dishes that are quite luxurious for him.

Yellow seasoning duck, that's the cuisine of his grandmother who became his father's favorite. In the past, this menu was only there when his family returned to the village.

However, now his grandmother has very rarely cooked this menu, considering the price of a fairly expensive duck.

Esih only cooks this when her children gather or there is an event in their family.

"What is that, Vin?" asked Mang Lukman who just came out of the bathroom.

While drying his hair using a small towel, Lukman approached Alvin who was pouring his grandmother's cooking into a dish.

"So early in the morning grandma brought me stock, it seems still delicious, so stay warmed," replied Alvin.

"Well, yellow condiment duck, long time mamang have not eaten this food, so laper," said Lukman while rubbing his stomach.

Alvin chuckles at the face of Lukman who is very visible already wants food from his grandmother.

"Wait a minute, I'm an angelin first yes, Mang," said Alvin.

"You take a bath there, this is so that you are angry," said Lukman, considering the time Maghrib is near.

"Hem, yes, if so I take a shower first, Mang."

"Yes, there's a splinter, later the magribnya hunt mepet." Lukman shook his hand.

Alvin also walked forward to take a change of clothes and towels, as well as toiletries that he had deliberately prepared from the village.

Fortunately, there were simple cookware, such as a stove, pan and pan, so they had no trouble warming up the food.

By Maghrib, Alvin was already preparing to go to the mosque or musala. However, he saw Lukman was not ready.

"Aren't you ready for the mosque?" ask Alvin.

"Unusual, Vin. You alone, yes, will show the enemy to you," replied Lukman.

A fine frown on Alvin's forehead was seen upon hearing Lukman's reply, although he eventually nodded.

"Come, I take you to the front, usually there are neighbors who also want to the musala, later I send you to him," said Lukman, while preparing to leave the house.

Alvin nodded then followed Lukman out of the house. As soon as they went outside once one of the neighbors in front of the house there was also about to go to the musala.

"Sir Umar, going to the musala?" ask Lukman.

"Yes, what's up, man?" The man, about fifty, stopped in front of his house.

"I want to nitip me, sir. He just came, did not know the way here," said Lukman.

"Yes, yuk together" replied Mr. Umar.

Mr. Umar who has a large stature and looks sturdy, making Alvin a little afraid of him.

However, he ventured to leave together with the person he had just known.

"Vin, you are with Mr. Umar, yes," said Lukman who was immediately embraced by Alvin.

"I'm leaving yeah, Mang," said Alvin.

Alvin went to the musala with Mr. Umar.

"What's your name, Tong?" ask Mr. Umar with a typical Betawi tone.

"I? Alvin, sir," replied Alvin

"Oh, Alvin. Just another vacation here, or want to work?"

"You're in college, sir."

The two talked while walking.

"Where's the lecture?"

Alvin mentioned the name of the college that received the scholarship for him.

"Well, that's a nice campus. You, must be the kid people are, huh? I am studying there."

"No, Sir. I entered through the scholarship," replied Alvin.

"Students?! Wow, you are a child of pinter apparently," said Mr. Umar.

"Assalamualaikum," said one of the middle-aged men who also went to the musala.

"Wa'alaikumsalam," replied Alvin and Pak Umar together.

They also began to talk with people who were more and more joined, to go to the musala together.

Alvin also knew more people, because of the help of Mr. Umar, plus Alvin's friendly and polite attitude that made many people like him.

Returning from the musala, Alvin returned together with the other men, he became more familiar with Mr. Umar.

He never thought that behind the appearance of his brother, Mr. Umar was an open and warm figure.

"Gue want to buy rice first in the front warteg, you already know the way from here to home?" ask Mr. Umar.

Alvin nodded. "It's God, I remember, sir."

"Yes, we split here yes" said Mr. Umar.

"Yes, Sir. Then I say goodbye first, Assalamualaikum," said Alvin.

"Wa'alaikumsalam" replied Mr. Umar.

Alvin also continued the journey to the house of Lukman alone, fortunately his memory is quite reliable.

Arriving home, Alvin sees Lukman smoking in the front seat of their contract.

"Just come home, Vin?" ask Lukman.

"Yes, Mang. I go in first, Mang," said Alvin.

"Heem, the food's been sitting on the table, Vin. Sorry to eat first" said Lukman.

"Yes, it's okay, Mang" replied Alvin.

Alvin then walked into the house, changed his clothes first and walked to the kitchen.

Sure enough, there was already food from his grandmother this morning that was already warm.

Alvin began to eat his food, without feeling his chest tight when he remembered his grandmother who cooked it all for him.

"Thank you, Grandma, Grandpa. I know you love me very much. But, you should not have to buy a duck just for me like this," said Alvin while feeding a mouthful of rice into his mouth.

After Alvin finished his dinner, he immediately washed the dishes he had eaten.

"Vin, while we were sleeping together, yes, I haven't had time to buy another bed for you" Lukman said, as Alvin had just walked out of the kitchen.

It turned out that Lukman was sitting in the front room with the door open.

Alvin nodded, then sat down in front of Lukman.

"Yes, Mang, it's okay" replied Alvin.

"When did you start college?" ask Lukman.

"Lusa, it has to come to campus anyway, Mang."

"Do you know where the campus is?"

Alvin shakes. "I'm the plan tomorrow want to try to look there, all try to take public transportation there too."

Lukman nodded his head, he took back one cigarette and started smoking it.

"Yes, you rest first, I want to go ahead first" Lukman said as he stood up.

"Where, Mang?" ask Alvin.

"Walking with other fathers. The door does not need to be locked, here is a safe area, besides I am also just in front of the contract" Lukman replied.

Alvin took a step back and followed Lukman outside, he stared at Lukman's departure at a post near the contract, then sat in a chair.

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Appearance cannot reflect a person's attitude and behavior.