
"Sister. Brother Eliz...!" exclaim Alifa with subtle.
Eliz stayed awake in their alternating wakefulness, giving answers in a soft voice that did not want to disturb those who were asleep.
"Sister. Can I ask you a favor?" alifa asked softly, her voice sounding weak as her body was still feeling weak.
"What do you want help with, Dek?" eliz replied while grabbing Alifa's hand.
"I'm going to the bathroom. Can you take me?" alifa Pinta.
"of course. Come on, I'll help you." Eliz swiftly helped Alifa get up from his bed and supported his sister.
As they stood up, Alifa only realized that the entire room was pitch-black. Alifa asked Eliz to turn on the lights.
"Sister. Why does it all feel so dark? Please, turn on the lights, brother. Alifa can't see anything around her!" alifa said innocently.
Eliz's feelings became vacillating, there was confusion within him, between wanting to cry or laugh when he saw his sister's expression that seemed fine because her eyes were wide open, but why was Alifa unable to see anything around him?
Simultaneously, from the other side of the room, there was a soft snoring sound from one of Alifa's sleeping brothers. The small voice of Alifa and her brother was heard by their father, Zaidan, who had previously also slept.
Zaidan wriggled and watched their conversation carefully. He understood that Alifa was confused by the darkness in the room.
Gently, Zaidan got up from the bed and approached them. He directed his steps carefully, following the voices heard.
"Hm... What's up, my kids?" zaidan asked in a soft voice, trying to ease their anxiety.
Alifa and Eliz were shocked to hear the father's voice. They turned and looked at Zaidan with a hopeful look.
"Dad, it's all dark in here. Alifa could not see anything" explained Alifa sadly.
Zaidan smiled affectionately as he stroked Alifa's head. Trying to stay calm even though his heart is upset. He wondered why his son could not see anything.
"Astaghfirullahal. O Allah, O Rahmaan, O Rahiim. What are you testing through my son? Why can't Alifa see anything? Even though his eyes were wide open? Did my son suffer from blindness? Oh God! I'm begging for your help." Zaidan spoke the name of God in a trembling heart.
Alifa's father tried to comfort her. "Maybe because Alfa was sleepy, he just woke up, stood up, so a little staggering and looked dark. There's low blood pain too."
Alifa frowned. "Hmm, maybe Dad has a point," Alifa said in a short sigh. "Yes, Alifa wants to go to the bathroom first, Dad. Where's the bathroom next?" alifa asked as she fumbled over the whitewashed wall.
Zaidan held back the tears in front of his children, trying hard to keep his children excited in life, especially Alifa. He hopes Alifa will recover and be happy again. Everyone missed the joy on Alifa's face. Because, Alfah was rarely even once complained of pain in him to everyone, even though his heart was very fragile. Alifa tried to toughen up like her mother who never complained despite being seriously ill.
Alifa smiled widely, radiating happiness from her beaming face. He feels safe in the arms of his father's affection, while Eliz also feels the peace of seeing the two much loved ones together.
Alifa also went to the bathroom guided by her father and brother.
Inside the dim bathroom, Alifa felt a little trembling. That night, he was in severe pain, so he had to rely on the help of his father and brother. Alifa moved her body carefully as there was an infusion that drained the necessary medicines attached to her hand.
Alifa's sister, Eliz, carefully held the infusion, ensuring that there were no problems during the treatment process. Alifa's father, Zaidan, stood beside her, giving support and encouragement to Alifa. The two of them looked at each other, gestured to each other and understood what to do.
"If you need help, tell your brother and father yes, Dek." said Eliz who was worried when his sister fumbled the bathroom. "Did you just go for a cook?" he continued, volunteering because he could not bear to see his brother who was like a blind man. Just rely on the other senses that are still functioning properly.
"Yes, Son. It's good that Brother Eliz comes in so you can ask for help getting a toothbrush or something in there." Zaidan looked increasingly anxious
"Just calm down, Dad, Brother. I'll be fine here. I'll call you if you need help. Brother Eliz had told you, where the location of the toiletries and others. So, I just fumbled it. As long as there are no sharp objects here, my skin will never be injured."
With great care, Alifa took a toothbrush and toothpaste from the sink, as well as a glass of water. Despite the illness, he still tried to do the daily routine with the remaining zeal. Alifa started brushing her teeth slowly, while thinking about the journey she went through during her illness. He remembers the precious moments with his family and how they have always been at every step of the way.
Meanwhile, outside the bathroom, Eliz and Zaidan looked at each other with smiles. They are grateful to be able to accompany Alifa in difficult times like this. Eliz grasped tightly the infusion of Alifa, giving reassurance that she was always by his side, no matter what. Zaidan rubbed Eliz's shoulders warmly, thanking him for his courage and dedication in caring for his little sister.
After finishing brushing her teeth, Alifa felt a little relieved. He looked at the mirror in front of him, looking at the reflection of his weak self due to illness, but filled with constancy and vigor. He decided to continue his night with courage, because he knew there were loved ones who always supported him.
Alifa came out of the bathroom with the help of her father and brother. Though weak, he clasped their hands tightly, feeling the warmth of the family flowing in the touch. Together, they make their way to Alifa's bed, ready to face the challenging night with confidence and love.
That night witnessed the togetherness and strength of the family in the face of trials. Although Alifa was experiencing severe pain, the presence of her father and brother gave her the strength to keep fighting. In the dark of the night, they strengthen each other and ensure that no one is alone.
After arriving at the bed, Alifa took a comfortable position. He laid himself down carefully, making sure not to damage the infusion still attached to his hand. At his side, his older brother, Eliz, helped arrange pillows and blankets to make Alifa feel comfortable.
Alifa grabbed the small comb that was on the bedside table. With a gentle movement, he combed her hair. Each movement of the comb, brings a sense of calm and comfort for him. Alifa let her mind loose, focusing on this little moment as a way to ease her pain and anxiety.
Eliz sat beside Alifa, looking at her with warmth. He saw how his sister was trying to stay calm and look beautiful in the midst of difficulties. Eliz spoke loving words, praising the courage and beauty of Alifa, and providing the boundless support that was always at her every step.
Alifa saw her father, Zaidan, standing by her bedside. Her face was full of tenderness and Alifa could see the pride and love that radiated from her eyes. Zaidan held Alifa's hand in tenderness, giving her struggling daughter a sense of security and calm.
As Alifa finished her hairline, she felt a little relieved. He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the sensation of calmness that surrounded him. Despite being ill and physically limited, Alifa felt strong and beautiful from within.
When Alifa saw the two most loved ones being by her side with a vague look, it was still unclear of her sight. Her brother and father gave a warm smile, giving her confidence that Alifa was never alone in her struggles. They are an irreplaceable source of strength and love in her life.
Alifa smiled gently, feeling a deep yearning and gratitude towards her family. He knew that night was the beginning of a long journey. He also knew that with their support and affection, Alifa was able to deal with it with courage and determination.
In the silence of the night, Alifa closed her eyes and allowed herself to drown in a beautiful dream, filled with hope and determination. He knew that when morning came, he would wake up with a new spirit, ready to face the coming days with the strength of the family by his side.
...****...