
The atmosphere of the morning was warm and hopeful in Alifa's room being treated. The sunlight slipped through the window and illuminated the face of Alifa who was lying on the bed. Although she was recovering, Alifa still gave a bright smile when the Doctor Lady entered her room.
The doctor graciously greeted Alifa, showing genuine concern and concern for her condition. In the warmth of the conversation, the Doctor asks how Alifa is feeling today, and hopes to hear good news about the development of her condition.
"Again, Alifa! How are you doing today? Is it better?" greet the Doctor with a smile.
Alifa humbly revealed that there was some improvement in her condition. "By the morning too, Doc! Thank God, it's gone, dong! Just still have his headache. His breathing was also irregular."
Despite the complaints, Alifa tried to remain optimistic that he would definitely recover by showing his spirit in the healing process. Alifa smiled with hope.
The doctor gave his support with a warm smile, appreciating the improvements that have occurred, but remained committed to conducting further examinations. He wanted to make sure that Alifa got the best treatment. Attentionally, the Doctor stated that he would check for alifa by taking a blood sample, as part of medical measures to monitor her healing progress.
The atmosphere of the room feels calm, although there is a mild tension related to the examination that will be done. However, Alifa felt comfortable with the presence of the Doctor Maiden who gave her full attention. The strong spirit of Alifa and the meticulous care of the Doctor Maam became a shared hope for a better recovery in the days to come.
After that, the Doctor examined Alifa carefully. He checked his blood pressure, listened to Alifa's heartbeat, and measured his body temperature. Alifa looked a little tense, but kept trying to calm down.
The doctor then took a blood sample carefully. Alifa endured the pain and bit her lips. After finishing, the Doctor gave praise to Alifa for her cooperation.
"Good, Alifa! You are very brave," the Doctor praised with a smile. "His blood test results will be out in a few hours. In the meantime, we'll continue to monitor your condition."
"Good, Doc. Can I go home today?" alifa asked with hope.
The doctor shook his head gently. "No, Alifa. We need to make sure that all the symptoms you experience have completely subsided and your condition is stable. Don't worry, we'll take good care of you here."
Alifa nodded and thanked. He felt a little disappointed, but also knew that the best decision was to remain under the supervision of a doctor.
During his time in the room, Alifa was happy because many families and some friends who came to visit, even her brother's close friends also visited and encouraged Alifa. They brought fruits, snacks such as bread and wafers, flowers, and cards in the hope that Alifa would soon recover. The atmosphere of the room became boisterous with laughter and cheerful chatter.
A few hours later, the results of Alifa's blood test came out. The doctor went back into the room with a piece of paper from the test.
"Alifa, there's good news! Your blood test results show good progress. The infection has been reduced, and the main organs in your body appear more stable," said the Doctor with pleasure.
Alifa smiled happily hearing that. "So, when can I go home, Doc?"
The doctor explained, "We will continue to monitor you for the next 1-2 days. If your condition remains stable, and the infection continues to decline, then you can go home. But remember, you have to rest a lot and take medication according to the prescription given. Moreover, the condition of your stomach is very concerning. Please really keep his diet and lifestyle, yes!" The doctor said, as if I were his son.
The doctor is known to be very good and attentive to everyone, especially his patients, he is always friendly, so that it can make the patients treated not tense.
Alifa promised to obey the doctor's orders. He was relieved to hear positive developments regarding his condition.
Days passed, Alifa's condition continued to show a good improvement. The doctor was pleased to see his development encouraging. After two days of additional treatment, Alifa was finally allowed to go home.
"Goodbye, Doctor! Thank you for the treatment," said Alifa as she sprinted out of the room.
"See you, Alifa! Don't forget to always take care of your health" said the Doctor as he waved his hand.
Alifa returned home happy. Although his recovery journey has not been completed, but he is confident that with the support of his family, friends, and good care of the doctor, he will be fully healed.
"Kun fayakun biidznullah!" Alifa gave her hope only to Allah.
Today was a special day for Alifa as she returned to Kalianda with her parents. They had planned this trip to give Alifa the opportunity to really relax from all the activities that demanded it so far.
Alifa's parents were well aware of her son's stubbornness. Especially since Alifa went to college and lived in a boarding house, he was always busy with his ambition and desire to succeed in his studies and life. Mind and energy also need time to rest. Alifa often forses her work, so many times her body demands to be healthy.
When Alifa arrived home, the parents of Alifa invited him in. "Welcome back to our house, son! We're happy because you finally got home after almost a month in the hospital."
Alifa smiled broadly. "Thank you, Mom, Dad! I'm glad I got to go home, too. In the hospital it was very boring, nothing to do. A little motion, the infusion of Akifa's blood. So Alifa wanted to do the job, told to rest. Alifa can't be at all, ma'am. You know that, right?" Alifa grumbling. Her lips went forward one cent.
Everyone laughed at the expression of Alifa which is very typical; chatty, fond of flirting, and if already angry with someone, surely a long time can relieve his emotions. Nisa, Alifa's mother, until khatam if her child is angry or scrabbling, just leave it. Later also his emotions subside on their own if they have been nagging.
Sometimes a person just needs time alone to relieve emotions and reconcile the heart and mind. This nature of Alifa is exactly the same as her mother.
Zaidan, Alifa's father, said softly. "You know, Alifa, we understand very well the stubbornness of your head. We know how ambitious you are in pursuing your dreams. But today, we want you to really take a break. Your mind and body need time to recover."
Nisa added, "Which feels that pain, you. So, I hope you can take care of yourself, son. Please take care of your health. Don't always worry us."
Alifa smiled shyly. "Yes, Dad, Mom. Alifa is often self-exciting, but Alifa can not be quipped. Alifa was afraid of being left behind. Later Alifa's graduation target shot again if Alifa did not understand the task and permission to continue college. Moreover, Alifa is now again compiling PKL reports. When is the completion of the try if not guidance again."
"Actually, Alifa was eager to sit back and read my favorite book. But honestly, there's a fear just in case there's a pending task."
Zaidan tried to make his son understand the situation and conditions that were being lived. "Just calm down, son. We will help remind you that there are tasks that need to be done, but for now, let your mind rest. Later can ask your friends to send notes and tell the tasks given by the doctor.
Alifa nodded. "Good, Dad. Alifa will try to really relax yourself and enjoy the time with you."
During the few days in Kalianda, Alifa really enjoyed her moment of rest. He feels happy to be able to gather with his family and forget for a moment all the pressures and demands commonly faced in his boarding house. Alifa's parents patiently helped her to completely break away from her energy-draining routine.
In the back garden, Alifa sat back and read her favorite book. His face looked brighter and relaxed. He also talked more with his parents, shared stories, and laughed together. All of that made Alifa's parents very happy to see her daughter enjoying time with the family.
Alifa's sister called their mother from kosan.
"Mom. How is Alifa? Has it improved?" asked Humairah, Alifa's sister, hoping to get a good answer from her mother's mouth.
"Alhamdulillah, that's good enough, brother. Brother what's the proposal report? Where have you been, huh?" Nisa shows concern for Humairah because she realizes that her eldest daughter is always bothered by looking after her two sisters, Alifa and Billal.
"God willing, it's over, Mom. Pray for the Humor, Mom. Hopefully it will be over this year." Humairah smiled and thanked God for having a mother who was so considerate of him because it could make him excited in finishing college.
Sometimes his heart aches because until now he has not graduated from college. Moreover, many obstacles that hampered his graduation, one of which was that he had to divide and sacrifice time to take care of his two younger siblings. However, Humairah always learned sincerely in accepting destiny, that's why his life was always calm. He believes that whatever happens in his life is solely due to the will of God.
"Alhamdulillah then. I'm glad to hear that. Just be calm, I will always pray for your success, son. Take good care of yourself, yes. Take care of your health too. Don't forget to tell me there's nothing." Nisa continues to pray for all her children because she does not want her children to experience what is experienced.
Nisa's mother is a great woman. He also several times back and forth the hospital, even had surgery because of breast cancer and kidney failure. That's why, Nisa cried when she found out that Alifa had complications in her body.
"Oh yes, ma'am, Alifa's additional license not to go to college until healed, has been submitted to all lecturers who teach Alifa. However, there's a funny incident, ma'am." Humairah laughed a little.
"really? What happened, son?" asked Nisa with curiosity.
"When entering one of the classes, just Humairah gave his permission letter, the expression of Mr. Lecturer made all students surprised and felt uneasy. Especially when the lecturer mentioned the sentence, 'innalillahi';¹ all frown on the face of friends Alifa on sad. They were wondering about Alfah. In a misunderstanding, it is thought that Alifa died. Between wanting to laugh or sad, Humairah can only watch the drama made by Mr. Lecturer." Humairah smile. His eyes while checking the files in front of him.
Nisa laughs at the funny story of Humairah. "But, the sentence is not only spoken when someone dies, but for sick or other calamities as well."
Humairah shook his head. "Know that, Mom. Besides, there are also lecturers. It's not, Mom."
"Continue, explained not the same lecturer about the meaning of the phrase 'innalillahi" it?" Nisa asked while checking Alifa's body temperature. Alifa is currently resting. His breath rhythm² indicates that he is really tired.
"Explain it, Mom. Oh yes, Ma. Humairah wants guidance at 11, it's a long time ago, yes. Then call again. Assalamu'alaikum, ma'am." Humairah said hello to close the conversation.
"Wa'alaikumsalam, son. Good luck always, yes. Mother's prayer is always with you."
After hanging up the phone, Nisa looked at the tired face of her second daughter. Many hopes were always parsed in prayer for Alifa as well as her other children. Her tears did not feel like they were dripping. Not wanting to wake Alifa who was sleeping well, she left her daughter in the room to rest in peace.
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Footnotes :
¹ The phrase "Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun" contains a deep meaning as described in the Qur'an surah Al Baqarah verses 155-156. We belong to Allah and to Him we will return.
² Breath rhythm refers to the regular and measurable breathing pattern performed by a person. Breathing is the body's natural process of taking in oxygen from the air and removing carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cell metabolism. The rhythm of the breath regulates the frequency and depth of breathing in one breathing cycle.
The respiratory cycle consists of two main phases:
1. Inspiration (inhale): The phase in which air enters the lungs through the nose and/or mouth. The diaphragm and other respiratory muscles contract, expand the chest cavity, and make the lungs expand to draw air in.
2. Excipration (exhale): The phase in which carbon dioxide-containing air is removed from the lungs. The diaphragm and respiratory muscles relax, and the lungs contract, forcing air out of the body.
Normal and healthy breathing rhythms vary depending on a person's physical and emotional state. However, in general, a normal adult breathing rhythm is about 12-20 times per minute at rest. This number of breaths per minute can be higher during intense physical activity or in stressful situations.
Having a regular, deep breathing rhythm is important for the health and balance of the body. Good breathing helps ensure an adequate supply of oxygen throughout the body, including the brain and other vital organs. In addition, good breathing also helps reduce stress levels, improve concentration, and help the body function more efficiently.
If a person has difficulty maintaining a normal breathing rhythm or experiences drastic changes in their breathing patterns, this can be an indication of a health problem that needs to be checked out by a medical professional.
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