
I woke up early to get back to work. When I opened the message, I saw a message from Denis. He wanted to borrow money from me.
Denise
[Met morning Valeria, I'm sorry before, could it not be if I trouble you?]
Valeria
[What's up, Denis?]
Denise
[My salary this month hasn't come down yet, while my needs are getting more and more. If I borrow your money first, can I?]
Reading it feels sad, Denis to get rid of prestige to meet his needs. I wonder if Cantika is demanding too much on him. The lifestyle of Cantika is high.
Valeria
[Oh, yes Denis. How much do you guys need?]
Denise
[One million rupiah only, Val. I'll drop by your office.]
Valeria
[Alright, Denis.]
Denise
[Thank you very much, Val.]
Valeria
[Together Denis.]
I began to move on and prepare to leave for work, then through time as usual. Denis is really coming.
"I'm sorry Val, I was forced to" she said as she received the envelope from me.
"Ga nothing, Denis. I hope your salary goes down tomorrow" I said, holding her shoulder, asking her to sit on the couch first, and talk about her family.
"How are you doing Cantika?" I asked after he sat down comfortably.
He looked a little moody, "He's fine. Just..." His words stifled as if hesitating to continue.
"What, Denis? May I know?" My insistence.
"He tried to abort the baby" Denis said.
There was a hint of disappointment when I said it.
"Then?" I still want to know what happened.
"He took medicine, flailing his stomach. Fortunately, the content is strong. I immediately forced her to go to the doctor."
He covered his face with both hands.
"I don't know why she's acting that way, while my mom needs help, too. I'm dizzy, Val," he kept his head up.
I saw fatigue on his face.
"I tried to meet her needs, but she still felt less and less. He always blames me and says my income is small. And if I'm concerned, I have enough money for our lives."
He looked at me, his eyes shining with sadness and disappointment. I hope he survives.
"When he was close to me, it seemed like he was just looking for an outlet. I just want to take responsibility for the boy, it's a big sin to leave him," Denis said.
"Patience Denis." That's all I can tell him.
***
It was cloudy when I got home from work. The employees sat on the side of the road when it was raining. I started the car and drove home.
Until we got home, the rain had not stopped. I saw Cantika at home, but when I saw her she did not smile much less say hello. I met Mama in the kitchen.
"Cantika's here, Ma?" My toot.
"Yes, Denis' mother was in the hospital this afternoon, so Cantika was going home for a while."
Poor Denis, must have been in my office, his mother had to be taken to the hospital.
"Pity Denis huh, Ma?" i empathize.
"Yes, tomorrow Mama and Papa will look there," said Mama.
"Hopefully not, son," Mama hoped.
"Ma, actually Denis went to Val's office. He borrowed Val's money and told me about Cantika" I half whispered.
Mama was a little surprised.
"What story, son?"
"Say, Cantika demanded a lot to Denis. Denis also needs a fee for his mother."
Mama turned her eyes forward, glaring.
"Where is Cantika, what used to be wrong Mama for overindulging her. What she asks is always Mama's doing because she's the youngest child" Mama said. Mama shut up for a moment.
He continued, "So he got used to getting what he wanted easily."
"Yes, Ma. There's no point in regretting it now. We better help Denis if Cantika doesn't want to change" I said.
"Tomorrow Val nitip money for Denis' mother's treatment in the hospital huh, Ma?" my word.
Mama nodded.
Cantika is still quiet with me. When he ate, he was more silent. Only occasionally open your mouth only when you need something. Emotions are real, too, but pity Papa and Mama if we fight again.
"You're healthy, aren't you, Cantika?" Ask Papa.
"Healthy" he answered briefly.
"Have you checked in to the doctor often?" Ask Papa again.
"Already," Cantika still answered a word.
I'll lose my temper if I don't remember Papa. I also remembered Denis' words that Cantika wanted to re-abort her womb.
I shook my head to see his behavior. After eating, he went into the room. Kuberesi dirty dishes and then help Bik Nah in the kitchen. Bik Nah also felt the change in our attitude. One person affects the whole family.
"Non, is Non Cantika disappointed over her marriage?" Ask Bik Nah as if reading her attitude.
"Ga tau, Bik. I hope not." I'm tired of telling you about Cantika.
Bik Nah just nodded, then continued his chatter.
"Non, Mas Denis it seems like a good person yes, although Non Cantika is fierce, likes to win by himself, from a small I noticed Non Cantika waranya like that. Long ago when Non Val got a trophy, he almost wanted to slam it when Non Val left, but don't tell anyone, Non."
I'm surprised, is she so jealous of me?
"mmm... Yes, Bik. Val must be quiet."
"Oh yes, Non. When Non Val bought the car, he didn't look like it." Bik Nah is increasingly passionate about telling about Cantika.
I just kept quiet and didn't think. Bik Nah was instantly speechless when she saw Cantika enter the bathroom, then I left Bik Nah to the room to rest, but Bik Nah's words still ring in my ear.
***
"Val... Val..."
Geck... Geck... Geck!
My mother's voice called out while knocking on my bedroom door.
I was shocked and opened my eyes which were still blurry. While squinting and rubbing my eyes, I saw a wall clock, it was 01:00 in the morning. Why did Mom wake me up so early?
"Yeah.." I replied.
I slowly got out of bed, headed to the door. Then I opened the door. Mama was standing at the door with a sad face.
"Why, Ma?" I asked Mama.
"Val, Denis' mother died."
I covered my face with both hands, remembering Denis who loved her mother so much. He must be very sad right now.
Back then, Papa and Cantika had been in the living room. They were preparing something needed to go to the hospital. Mom seemed to understand my situation and Cantika.
"The three of us are going there, Val. You will catch up with Surya later? You have to take care of the office first, right? Now you take care of the house first" said Mama.
"Yes, Mom if so. Later in the afternoon Val will go there with Surya. Careful, Ma?"
Mama nodded, following Papa who waved to me and Cantika who had walked to the car.
Without feeling I shed tears remembering Denis. Denis, good luck...