Animal Sacrifice For Mother
6. The Arrangement of River Rock
“Inaq was wrong, Arif did not continue his education not because of Inaq. Arif is working, playing music is also not because of Inaq. This is Arif's own wish.”
Brother Arif returned Inaq's gaze while trying to convince. He wiped Inaq's tears with his hand. Promise, today, he who goes picking kale in the river.
Unlike in the provincial city there which has just been hit by rain. Here, there is no sign of rain. White clouds dotted almost the entire surface of the sky. The curve of the third highest mountain peak in Indonesia seems so clear, it is tempting to climb. Rural roads that have now been paved are not too crowded by vehicles. Even so, this afternoon is not hot, because the sun is being kind to the inhabitants of the middle hemisphere.
After the dzuhur prayer. Arif changed his clothes. He wears the pants of his favorite football club, Arsenal. Wrapped in a black T-shirt featuring an idol musician. His favorite guitar is ready to accompany him. Do not forget to tuck the fittings behind the rubber pants. For those of you who have never heard the term completeness, it is a traditional tool for picking kale. It looks like a comb. But, the size is smaller.
”Inaq, Arif departs for the river first.”
Brother Arif approached Inaq who had just fulfilled the obligation of prayer dzuhur, but was still sitting on the prayer mat.
“Wait, Inaq follow.”
“Inaq rest only. Leave everything the same Arif.”
Inaq insisted. He rose, instantly folding the face worn.
“You forgot this.”
Inaq shows a rope. Spontaneous, brother Arif landed his left hand on his forehead. How can brother Arif forget the rope that will later be used to tie kale-kale that has been picked? They also exchanged smiles.
Half way to the river.
“You must be careful, if Inaq is used to.”
Inaq smile. Brother Arif just muttered softly. Continue down the path to the river.
The last three years, after Inaq no longer became a cook in a restaurant located in the opposite village. Inaq began to cultivate kale in the river, as did some of the ancients.
Because they do not have land, they use the river lips. Medium-sized stones are deliberately arranged to form a square. That way, the water in the stone arrangement does not flow too fast. There it is then used as land to cultivate kale.
Risky indeed, especially when the rainy season arrives. River water overflowed, causing the arrangement of broken rocks. So, of course, kale kale swept the swift flow of the river.
Let it. Or is there another solution? Let's say the village apparatus is thinking of a solution. Once, once upon a time they came to give an understanding of the dangers of doing such a thing. The rest, they leave behind expectations that were also said before; we will soon find other alternatives for common well-being.
“Finally. Hmm, even less than a kilometer. Good too.”
Arif put down his favorite guitar. He chose a sloping land on the edge of the river close to the bamboo grove, located just below the pinang tree. Then ask Inaq to rest, so that he can freely keep his promise to pick fresh kale that will be sold tomorrow.
Inaq just nodded. Occasionally wiping his sweat with the tip of the veil. Then smile, because this time his job is only to keep my favorite guitar Arif alone.
***
