Engelskraft: Love of Wasted Angels

The Bird of Sparrow's Comfort

The coffee shop began to fall. No wonder, the time has shown at 10 pm, the truck drivers must rush back to avoid the density of the toll road in the morning. Ailey and her father seemed busy before returning home.

“You should have accompanied Kevin at home. Because you're here, Kevin's coming home to Jakarta! It's okay, you know in your own store.” Said father.

“This father is strange. His daughter was told to be alone and continue to be the same boy? Father is not at all dear, yes the same me?” Said upset.

"Haha. You see Kevin looks a good man and not a random man. He seems sincere to you.”

"What's the father talking about, anyway?” Shame initially.

"But Milo can too. Father, heck yes want any.” He said flirting while elbowing his son's arm.

Ailey did not heed her father's words. Besides he did not want to look wrong, he also did not want to talk about Milo who turned out to be an angel.

“My son is an adult apparently.” Continue with father while sighing.

The sound of water from the tap interrupted the conversation for a moment. The father who was washing the old drinking glasses immediately wiped them and put them on a wooden shelf.

“Bapak does not regret you migrated to Jakarta. Many changes in you, son.” Further.

“That is, Sir?” Ask Ailey.

"You know for yourself, right since that bad thing happened to you, you stay away from social life and just dwell on yourself. In fact, you are reluctant to be friends with men.” Obviously father.

Ailey speechless. He went to the chair in front of his father and sat down. Both hands he made a backrest to support his chin as if he did not want to miss a word from father.

“Son, you've grown into an adult woman. Surely a lot happened in Jakarta to form you into a strong human like this.”

“Bapak actually wants to say what? To be honest, don't have to be convoluted.” Ailey said impatiently.

Dad took a long breath, “Bapak knew something was wrong so you went home.”

The father's sharp eyes pierced through Ailey's heart. Actually, the woman did not want to tell in detail about what really happened. This was to avoid the worries his father would feel. However, it seems that the father's bond with the child is indeed indisputable until the father can find out that his son is hiding something.

"Sir, it looks like Ailey is willing to give up just to complain about her fate in Jakarta.” Said choked.

Sounds like a serious thing, the father got out of the laundry and sat next to the child. His wrinkled hands patted Ailey's back as if giving a signal to release the burden.

“Ailey could not afford to compete with the rich people there. I thought I could tolerate the bad treatment I received. But, the more I sniff, the more painful it feels.” Ailey said in a trembling voice.

“That tolerance is not the same as harboring everything yourself. Sometimes, God sends us people who are willing to help us selflessly, which can be where we tell stories. I think you already have it.”

“You remember the first time you were convicted of HIV?” Ask me gently.

Ailey nodded while holding back her tears from flowing.

"You were too young to accept reality. You locked yourself in a room for days until one time, you saw a sparrow with injured gray wings perched in front of the windowpanes.”

“Grey dimples..” Ailey recalled her father's story and Milo's figure with dull wings crossed her mind.

“Still remember what you did back then?” Ask dad.

“I... brought him in and treated his wound until it healed.” The answer.

The father smiled gently watching his son who had grown into a mature woman. His grasp of the hand grew tighter as if he was flowing great power to Ailey.

“You thought you were the one who helped the bird. Indeed, it is the bird that helps you. After the wings heal, you let go and let them fly high. The expression on your face at that time was very satisfied and happy. See, even God can use animals to restore human life!” His word.

Tears rolled down Ailey's cheeks. She could not hold back her crying anymore. However, this time the cry that was given was a cry of gratitude and happiness. His return, which he considered to be an escape, actually brought soothing wisdom.

“Pak, forgive Ailey if Ailey often makes you worry.” He said while sobbing.

“Bapak is no longer worried. Now you have people who care about you and can count on you. Why is your father worried about my son who has grown up?” Words calm. “Bapak knows you still want to get things done in Jakarta, right?”

Ailey looked at her father's face full of sincerity. Really, there was nothing he could hide from Dad.

“Back to Jakarta. Pursue your dreams! I will always pray for you from here.” Follow me with a soothing smile.

"Mr..” Ailey hugged her father to let go of all the rage that surrounded her. There was not a single word that could express his happiness at that time. Everything had been heard in the father's heart miraculously, like a neatly knitted thread connecting the hearts of the two.

The two of them hugged each other with tears as if every drop was a matter of life falling. One by one, Ailey's burden seemed to leave her behind and be replaced with the strength given by a father's affection.

“You just need to remember that you are much stronger than before you went wandering. It's gonna be okay. Just trust!” Father said encouragingly.

"How could I leave you after you speak like this? Thank you, Sir! Thank you.” Reply Ailey while hugging her father tightly.

"Once, think of your life. I'll be fine.” He said, patting her on the back. “Oh, yes. Don't forget to make your choice! Milo or Kevin?” Whisper dad.

“Father, still can-can tease me in a state like this.” Timpal Ailey laughing, though,

The clouds open their way to the light of the moon. Each beam of light penetrated into Ailey's heart. He realized he was never alone. Why fear? What's it riled up for? During the prayer offered by the father, the strength to sustain his life multiplied many times. Sparrows and Milo, are they related to each other? I don't know, but the flapping of the same wings always shows the way for Ailey to survive and get through tomorrow.