Behind the Grey Cloud

38 Return to the City

This morning, I woke up as usual.

I went to the bathroom to take a shower.

After that, I prayed at dawn.

After the prayer, I went to the kitchen to help Ms. Yasmin make breakfast for us

" Good morning Mom. What's cooking today?" greet me when I'm in the kitchen. I saw that Ms. Yasmin was peeling a red onion.

" Morning is also a beautiful child. Today we cook fried rice, baby. That's simple. Because later we will leave in the morning so as not to get stuck." replied Ms. Yasmin.

" Here Mom, let Mayang just peel the seasoning." I asked as I picked up the knife lying in front of the table because of Ms. Yasmin while frying the eggs.

" Mom, we'll wait for Akbar for a second. Mayang wants to leave a letter to Ali" I said as I continued slicing vegetables.

" Yes" replied Ms. Yasmin briefly.

" What's your shower yet? Here let Mayang aja nerusin cook her. I've been cooking for a long time" I asked Ms. Yasmin.

Ever since that happened, I rarely cook. I was more bawling and wailing.

But today I promised myself to rise up and continue to live my life.

I have to achieve my goals.

" Yes, I'm ready first. You keep cooking it. Later on overcook it. All make Akbar stock" said Ms. Yasmin who then left the kitchen.

I'm so proud of Ms. Yasmin.

He loves children very much.

Including me.

Fifteen minutes passed.

I finished cooking too

I called Ms. Yasmin for breakfast

" Mommy, this is ny fried rice ready. Let's have breakfast first." I said while arranging the plates and spoons for Ms. Yasmin.

" yes, dear. Just a moment." replied Yasmin. Soon he came out of the room and went to the dining room.

He sat beside me. I also gave him the plate and spoon I had filled with fried rice.

After that, I took it for myself.

We eat quietly.

Without any talk.

After eating, I rushed to tidy up the dining table. Bringing the dirty dishes and glasses to the back, and preparing the fried rice for Akbar.

' Surely the child will be very happy.' I murmured inwardly

****

We're ready to go.

Ms. Yasmin locked the door, and placed the key on RT.

After that we walked towards the front alley to wait for the angkot. Waiting for Akbar too.

Not long after, Akbar arrived.

" sister Mayang, are you going back to town?" ask Akbar to me.

" yes Akbar. Brother is going back to town. Uh yeah, how was yesterday? What time does Ali come home?" I stormed her with questions.

" Kat Ali came home very late, and left early in the morning. I didn't have time to say that you were going back to town this morning. I'm sorry, brother." replied him while bowed.

I patted her shoulder slowly, too,

" Not anything Bar. Sister understand. Oh yes, this is my sister wants to copy this letter to brother Ali yes. Please give this letter to him. It's also a little money, hopefully it can help buy medicine for you." I said to Akbar. She received a letter from me, but for her money, she seemed hesitant.

" Not anything Bar. This is just accept. The money is halal. From the sale of my sister in the city. Accept ya." I said a little forcefully. Akbar finally received money from me

" Thank you very much, brother. I hope you are safe until your destination and can come back here soon. Akbar is happy that brother is here. Akbar seemed to be paying attention." said Akbar while showing a row of neat teeth.

It turned out that he was now able to talk a lot and was not shy anymore

I smiled at Akbar's words as well.

Before long, the angkot we were waiting for came.

I hugged Akbar and said goodbye to him.

" Sister go first yeah Bar. You careful. Take care of yourself." I said to Akbar

" Sister be careful too" she replied, wiping away the tears.

I nodded and immediately went up into the angkot.

Angkot also walked leaving Akbar who was still staring at my departure.

****

This afternoon, we arrived in the city.

The atmosphere was quiet when we reached Auntie Mita's house.

Usually at this hour Aunt Mita is at the stall. Because at this hour many people are taking lunch breaks.

I asked Ms. Yasmin for permission to rest in the room.

This body feels tired after a long journey.

I put my body in bed. Looking for the most comfortable place, and soon I fell asleep.

I just woke up when I heard the voice of Ashar.

I opened my eyes slowly and got up. It feels so hot and sticky.

I got out of the room and got ready to take a shower. I saw Aunt Mita also sleeping in the living room chair.

I let him sleep well.

I don't want to disturb him.

After the bath, I also performed the Ashar prayer and returned to the living room.

By the time I got back, Aunt Mita was no longer there. Maybe he's up and taking a shower

After that, Ms. Yasmin came and sat with me in the living room.

" Aunty Mita where's Ma'am?" ask Ms. Yasmin.

" Aunte Mita is taking May's bath. Are you ready for school tomorrow?" ask Ms. Yasmin.

" God willing. Why Ma?" I asked Ms. Yasmin.

" Eh no. This is Mr Wahy calling mom and asking when you can go to school? Because he said you want to be invited to the regional level of the Olympics." Definitely Ms. Yasmin.

" Waaah, go to the Olympics. When is it Mom?" ask me enthusiastically. I feel like my soul is back with this challenge. I could be more focused and not sad anymore

" Maybe next week." replied Ms. Yasmin briefly.

" Wish Mayang yes ma'am. So that Mayang can carry out the duties of the school. It feels like Mayang can't wait for the iceuk day." I said as I hugged Ms. Yasmin.

I'm really happy it feels.

Behind the gray clouds, there will be a glimmer of light that will illuminate the darkness of life. There will be a light shining for every darkness.

Thanks God.

I will never give thanks to You, Lord.

Thank you for all the blessings and pleasures you have given.

May I always be in protection and always give you health. Aamyn