Deepest Wound

I CANNOT AFFORD MARTABAK

...Happy reading ...

With the presence of Kak Laras, I am not free to continue this conversation. Although it looks indifferent but I'm sure Kak Laras must be watching us. Brother Laras is very unexpected.

“Hm, look..you go first. Not that Brother kicked away,” I said slowly while looking at Erlang with a gesture. He understood and then nodded.

After Erlang left I walked to the kitchen to open the refrigerator and then took the milk from there. I warmed the milk for a while and then poured it in a glass.

My movements did not escape the supervision of Laras. I sat down at the dinner table and enjoyed a glass of warm milk.

“What's he coming here for?” Ask Kak Laras as I thought.

“Just tell me that Papa is sick,” I replied as casually as possible. Brother Laras smiled obliquely. I knew he must have sneered in my heart.

“For what bother to come here? Not through phone.” Like I thought again. Brother Laras always has a way to break every excuse.

“He didn't really come to tell you that. It just so happened that he was working in this town again so all of you stopped by. I'm just talking about Papa. That's aja.” Lucky to know that two months ago Erlang worked for one of the companies in the city. So my reasons still make sense.

“Oiya, today I really want to eat pudding made by Brother. Can ya?” I acted as sweet as possible while hugging his waist and my face stuck to his stomach which began to grow like there was a balloon in it.

“Iya, later somewhat unfortunate Brother make.”

“Ok. I'm going to take a shower first.” I stood up and stepped forward to go to the room. “By nambah, nak?” I turned. “Make pandan sponge too,” my door. Kak Laras just kept quiet while tidying the table. But I knew he would make it.

I'm sorry, if I have to keep Brother a little busy today, because I have to help Papa. They didn't care about me but I didn't want to retaliate. Because if I reply, then how different am I from them.

After taking a shower I went to the kitchen and checked out some rooms. After making sure that Kak Laras has returned to his house I immediately left the house by driving my motorcycle to the place where Erlang I told him to wait there.

I stopped near the restaurant on the side of the road. I told Erlang to fill his stomach first because I was sure he must have eaten nothing. I did not dare to bring her home to eat and I was also sure Erlang would not be able to swallow the rice if he saw Kak Laras' unsheathed gaze.

I pulled the pocket money at my ATM. I also borrowed money from Om Wandy and inevitably I had to be honest with him about the truth. Om Wandy wanted to understand and promised not to tell Kak Laras.

“Consider this business, if you get a bonus from Mr. Erik, I will also add bonus Om Wandy and anyway.” That's what I said to Om Wandy and he just laughed at me.

“This you took to pay off Papa's treatment costs. Save the rest to buy medicine and more. Strive should be enough until next month,”, I said while ordering. Erlang bowed while receiving money from me. It is clear that he is very forced if not in a desperate situation.

“I'll repay it with my salary later.” He promise. I laughed a little in my heart.

“Do not think. As much as possible, you will help if needed. Save your salary that is not so much for your own needs.” He also chuckled at my words. I know very well how much the salary of the new employee is still in training. I've been in that position.

He said goodbye to leave and immediately paid the cost of treatment at the Hospital. I stared at his back from a distance until the motorbike he was driving was mixed with another and invisible vehicle.

I was a little relieved but still had to rack my brain for Papa's next medical expenses. Because he said Papa must remain at home and need drugs to help his recovery. While now my finances are fully held by Kak Laras. It's impossible that Kak Laras would give it if I asked for it. What else if he finds out the money for Papa's medical expenses.

It has been three days now I can only enjoy the pandan sponge and pudding made by Kak Laras at that time. I don't know how many times I went in and out of the fridge because that's all I could enjoy.

I really want to eat martabak but my pocket money is up and have to wait a few more days transfer from Kak Laras. It also seems I will still save in order to set aside for the cost of Papa's treatment.

Om Wandy laughed at me when I forcedly and pathetically put the cake in my mouth.

“Om do not think so to buyin me martabak.”

I laughed in my heart.

Tired, tired of the thought of raising money.

Even in uncertain weather conditions. But just buying one marathon box I can't. Ck!

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I sat in the chair and looked out through the window I had opened since the end of the Maghrib prayer. I need time to think about all the problems that come in turn.

The night air swept over my skin like a soft caress, again soothing. I took a few deep breaths over and over again, but I could not find a way to help me overcome all my problems.

Stars dotted the night sky. I wish I had been one of those stars there. It is enough to show the light at night without the need to think about world affairs like this.

The ringing of the cell phone breaks my daydream. I looked at my phone that kept blinking. I got out of my seat and took it, but I had not received the call because I was dead. Then I sat back in the window seat. Turns out Dani called me when I saw that missed call. I also tried to contact him to just show my concern.

“What's up?” I asked when he had received a call from me.

“Nothing. Just wanted to contact you. Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. I don't think I'm eating tonight.”

“Why? Want to eat out?”

“I'm no longer in the mood out of the house.”

“But you have to keep eating, I don't want you to get sick later.”

“I want to eat vegetable martabak, but ..”

“Yes already, I brought ya. I'll call you later if I'm near your house.”

In my heart I cheered excitedly at how I enjoyed the food I had missed for so many days.

After getting a call from Dani I went outside to the place where he stopped his car and waited for me there.

“Thanks. Sorry to be troublesome,” I said at the same time happy when receiving a package containing two martabak boxes.

“No feeling bothered. I'm glad I could do it for you. Yes, you've hunted eat ya.”

“Then I go in first huh?” Dani nodded with a smile. I turned my body back and wanted to go back home. But I stopped my steps and turned to look at Dani who was about to get into the car.

“Wait!” Dani stopped not getting in the car. He looked towards me. I ran up to him and kissed his right cheek. He was surprised and his facial expression was very funny. Then I turned around and left him still there.

...Tbc ...