Behind the Grey Cloud

36 Ali's feelings

I also went home.

Ms. Yasmin has been waiting for me on the front porch.

He greeted me with a smile.

" Come on in. I've cooked your favorite loh." take Ms. Yasmin to me.

Suddenly my stomach feels hungry.

I can't wait to eat soon.

Tapo first I cleaned myself in the bathroom. I wash my hands, feet and face. I think I can calm down again.

Ms. Yasmin was waiting for me at the dinner table. I also sat beside him.

My appetites churned up wanting to immediately devour this food.

There are vegetable ketela leaves, fried tempeh, also sambal terasi. There are also fried fish and basil leaf vegetables.

Uuuh, it seems so delicious.

I took the rice into the dish, then added the vegetables and side dishes as necessary and then ate it with a voraciously.

Indeed, lately I have less appetite in eating. I was too late in grief.

Today I even got to see you.

Ms. Yasmin was happy to see me like this.

After eating, I cleaned up all the cutlery and washed the dirty dishes and utensils.

Then we sat together on the front porch of the house while watching people passing by in front of the house.

We often talk, joke, and laugh together.

I also talked about my meeting with Akbar and Ali.

Ms. Yasmin heard it carefully.

" So Mayang met Ali and his sister Ma'am. Now his father is sick, and Ali is the backbone of the family. Little Akbar likes to steal the opportunity to work to help his sister." I told Ms. Yasmin.

" What's Ali doing now May?" ask Ms. Yasmin

" Ali continued his father's business selling in the market. Sometimes that night she's a porters in a big market. But Ali covered her from Akbar. That's why Akbar likes to secretly work to help Ali." I replied

It doesn't feel like it's afternoon. Yasmin told me to go take a shower.

I immediately stood up and prepared to take a bath and perform the Ashar prayer.

The prayer age, Ms. Yasmin and I sat back on the front porch of the house. Ms. Yasmin's courtyard was spacious, so in the afternoon like this, many children were playing ball.

It feels so good to play their game. They kicked the ball, ran and laughed without a burden.

Sometimes I smile at their own behavior.

" Asalamualaikum's chat.."

I realized when someone said hello to me. I'm turning.

It turns out he's Ali.

" Greetings wa'alaikum. Uh Al, sit down. Look, it's really exciting that they play the ball." answered me enthusiastically.

" Yeah. You wanna play?" ask him to me.

" Ah no ah. Shame" I replied.

We told each other about our schools. About math lessons we love. About biology that often makes us curious also about friends.

I also told Ali that now Bella also goes to school in the same place, and we even have one more class.

" Waah yang dong. We finally have friends again. And your best friend is a girl. So I don't need to be jealous" Ali said

I'm turning. What does Ali mean?

I just returned it with a smile.

'' May, I like you. I'm glad you came back here. Ever since you left, my heart feels lonely May. Hollow without you" said Ali surprised me.

I'm still quiet.

Ali grabbed my hand and grabbed it.

I was surprised and pulled my hand

He looks confused.

" Why May?" tanya Ali asked for an explanation.

" I...." It is hard to express words.

He approached. He looked back at the children playing ball. His eyes were looking far ahead.

We are still both silent.

" Do you have a girlfriend in May?" ask her again with a sweet smile.

I just lowered my head.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do.

Silence (again)

He took a deep breath, and said

" Yes, I said yes, May,. Maghrib soon."

He was too quiet without looking at me.

He walked without looking back. Maybe his heart was hurt because of me?

' Ali, I'm sorry. All this time I only considered you as Al's best friend. I hope you can understand.'

I stared at Ali's body unseen at the turn of the road ahead. After that I went inside. I took ablution water to perform Maghrib prayers.

I am worthy of Allah, asking for forgiveness for all wrongs and sins. Do not forget to give thanks for all the blessings God has given you.

***

Tonight, after the Maghrib prayer and teaching, Ms. Yasmin invited me to dinner.

The atmosphere tonight is so quiet.

Only the clanking of plates and spoons was heard. Also occasionally crickets and night animals sing throughout the night.

After I finished eating, I also cleaned the dining table and sat in the living room accompanying Ms. Yasmin.

" How many days do you plan to stay here May?" tanya Ms. Yasmin started the conversation tonight.

" Mayang doesn't know Mom yet" I replied with a shoulder.

Ms. Yasmin just smiled kindly.