Behind the Grey Cloud

37 Letters to Ali

I was in the village two days.

I think I have enough time to calm down. I have to get back to town. Must go back to school. Because I am currently in Class III and will soon be taking the exam.

Tomorrow morning, I'll be back in town.

So tonight I'm getting ready to prepare for the next day.

Since the incident at Ms. Yasmin's house that afternoon, Ali never came home again.

I went to his house once, but he's not home.

I feel guilty for Ali.

I went to Ali's house this afternoon. Again, he was not home.

Akbar said, from the time he returned from school, Ali had not yet returned home.

" Sister Ali hasn't come home since noon brother. Usually after school he goes home first. But he told Akbar to give lunch and medicine for him. Said brother Ali did not come home." said Akbar gave an explanation to me.

" Is he still in the market?" ask me curious.

" Not knowing either, brother. Usually, the market is quiet at this hour" Akbar said

" Yes, you try to look at the market, Bar? Who knows, Ali's still there. Brother wants to pay. Tomorrow brother wants to go back to the city." I explained to Akbar.

I too was ready and rushed to the market. I really hope Ali's still on the market.

ten minutes drive from Ali's house to the market, I finally arrived.

I walked down the alley to Ali's kiosk.

Niente. The kiosk is closed. Some of the stalls next to her were also closed.

I finally came home disappointed.

Why did Ali avoid me.

Why is he angry at me.

****

" How's May? Have you met Ali?" ask Ms. Yasmin when I just got home.

I shook weakly. I also put myself in the living room chair.

" You guys got a problem?" Ms. Yasmin is still asking me about Ali.

Maybe he also wondered why Ali could avoid me.

I shook my head again.

I'm rattled. Do I have to tell Ms Yasmin or not?

" then?" It seems that Ms. Yasmin was dissatisfied and was more and more curious about my attitude.

I finally told Ms. Yasmin.

" Today when Ali came here, he told me his feelings. He said he liked me..." I stopped my story.

Ms. Yasmin sat down next to me and rubbed my head.

" but.. I didn't reply to her. I just kept quiet and after that he left." I shed tears.

I was sad, why my friendship had to go through such trials.

Ms. Yasmin hugged me and gently rubbed my hair. He let me shed all the sadness I felt.

After I calmed down a little, he let go of his embrace and said to me.

" Write a letter to Ali. Tell me what you feel. Don't let a friend like Ali just walk away. You guys are close enough. Closer than brother." Yasmin told me.

I nodded slowly.

I got up and asked permission to go to my room.

" That's how Mayang went to the room first ma'am."

" Yes dear."

****

I don't know what to write for Ali.

I'm afraid my explanation will further keep Ali away from me. But if I don't explain, then this matter will never meet a common ground.

I immediately took the book and pen.

I started writing and pouring out my heart.

**Dear my frog prince.

How are you reading this letter?

Why the hell are you avoiding me?

For two days I've been looking for you.

I went to your house, even I caught up with you to the market.

I'm anxious.

Why is it that when I get back here you leave?

Ali, my frog prince.

I want to apologize to you if I hurt your heart and feelings.

Really, I don't intend to do this.

Being in the city taught me a variety of life experiences.

I met and knew someone.

Someone who was originally ordinary, but after meeting each day, there was a different taste. I don't know if it's love or if it's just like.

The man once expressed his feelings to me, and I accepted.

But do you know what happens next?

Apparently, that man is the son of my mother Al. My birth mother.

I was so shocked to know all that. I'm shattered.

A mother who I have always longed for her presence, I always hope for her arrival

It turned out that he had been living happily with his new family.

To the extent that he never thought about how the fate of his daughter was

How is her husband.

What makes me sicker is, people who have been close to me

He was the stepson who had been nurtured with care and affection by my mother.

I'm devastated, I don't know what to do and how.

For that, I went here.

Hope to have peace of heart.

Yes, my heart is calm now.

I can accept the destiny.

I will also try to forgive my mother, as my father requested.

Al, uh,..

I love you as my best friend.

Please, don't ever leave me.

Right now, I don't want to play with love anymore. Love is like fire. If we are not careful, we will burn into the fire.

Al, make sure I'm back in town.

I have to continue my life.

I have to achieve my goals

Starting to make a big break, I will also break up with the man my mother has taken care of.

Let everything go as it is.

I really hope we can stay friends at any time.

Ali, can I have a message for you?

Please don't over-examine the way you work. I know you're the backbone of your family now.

But you also have to take care of your health and yourself. Don't let you get sick

I love you Ali.

greetings

from the princess.

**

I folded this letter. Put it in an envelope. And put it in a bag.

After that I prepared to go to sleep.

I will send this letter to Akbar, Ali's sister

Usually if you go to school, Akbar passes the road where I wait for the angkot that will take me to the city.

Tomorrow, I will leave this village again.

I hope one day I can come back here.

Because there are so many wonderful memories here.

With dad, with Ms. Yasmin, with friends, also with Ali.