Animal Sacrifice For Mother

8. The Testimony of Poson Pinang

“It's enough, son.”

Brother Arif looked over. Inaq nodded steadily. He memorized exactly how many kale it takes to get 50-60 kale ties. Habitual factors.

“So here? This is not how much. Where's rope?”

Inaq thrust a rope at Arif's brother. Although it is only the first time, brother Arif looks deft in binding kale-kale that has just been picked. Once tied, fresh kale is placed next to the favorite guitar. Right under the tree.

“So you got greetings from your sister. He was on holiday, but did not go home. He said Doni took her on vacation. And next week just come home.”

Arif squinted his eyes. He tried to dig up his memory of the figure behind the name Inaq mentioned. Succeeds briefly. Doni. A fat teenager, and once meritorious to his sister.

“There's again. Said your sister, happy fitness free.” Inaq continued his words. Brother Arif looked over. Watch out, I'll get you back.

Behold, at the age of Inaq who was no longer young, her skin was no longer as firm as it used to be, Inaq remained the most beautiful woman in the world. His smile is the sweetest smile in the universe. That's what Arif's confession is.

Afternoon is young. The twilight has not yet come. The sun still faithfully sends warmth through its light that penetrates the gap of the trees. The wind blows softly. The bamboo groves rubbed against each other. The gurgling of the river water is heard, greeted by the melodious chirping of birds, all combined into a natural musicality that can never be defeated by the greatness of world music composers though.

Not long after, brother Arif was seen removing the guitar from the black bag. He's cleared his throat. Immediately began to pluck the strings of his favorite guitar strings.

In the middle of the song, Arif paused for a moment. Eyes glazed. Voice restrained. Not stable. But the string-string quotes of the guitar strings continued.

“Enough son, enough. Don't continue.”

Inaq. He touched Arif's arm. Arif's hand stopped spontaneously. Both of his eyes closed. Look up. He was trying to hold back tears.

Nope, no. Arif can't cry. He must be strong and be a booster for his small family. Even now, a face came back to fill the head and left no room to dodge. That face really feels so real. Arif believes, Inaq is also imagining the same figure.

***

Rahman kissing armpit. Asem, haven't had a shower. Doni understands, but doesn't care. He saw a watch. At 16:57 pm.

“Already, come with. I know someone who rents out tools to climb mountains. Complete. And you don't have to worry, any form of payment just leave it to me.”

Next to Doni's eyes blinked, and tried to convince his best friend. Doni knows very well the economic condition of his best friend's family. While Rahman just smiled from behind the back of Doni who hugged him using a motorcycle matic.

Ten minutes passed. One kilometer passed.

Fifteen minutes walk. Stop over.

“This is the place.”

Doni pointed to a small place with a neon box that read Greenhills Outdoor Gear Rental. Rahman down. Doni parked the motorcycle and put the helmet on the seat. Come in with Rahman.

It's in there. They chose some climbing tools. Starting from carier, matrass, sleeping bag, tent, jacket, portable stove, nesting, headlamp, also tools recommended by the owner of the place, such as sticks, mountain shoes, and tent lights.

They just nodded. Agree. This was the first experience for both. So it is natural that they complete themselves completely. After paying a certain amount of rent. Doni went out, followed by Rahman. Only the ID card (Population Card) is left as collateral.

Not far from the outdoor equipment rental. They stopped by a minimarket to buy food and beverage stocks for the next five days. Here, Doni takes on the role again, Rahman just follows. Understandably, who will pay for everything is definitely Doni.

“You sure, Don?”

Doni. Silence moment. Back, he continued his busy life choosing food and drink supplies. Actually not choose, because almost all kinds of instant food put in a basket, also mineral water and coffee.

Before leaving the minimarket, Doni and Rahman walked to the cashier to pay for their groceries. There, they had whispered to each other, joking about the era they were living today. Small smiles adorned the faces of the two. We live in an age of existence.

***