Forced to endure

Chapter 12

It doesn't feel like it's the end of the month anymore. I was looking forward to the end of the month because it was time for Mas Adji payday. But now, the end of the month feels like a nightmare come true. Electricity bills, water, internet bills, Keisha's school fees all came together.

My money is two hundred thousand. How will I shop for necessities for the next month? What about Mas Adji's medical expenses?

Arya rarely came to visit us. He used to visit Mas Adji, twice a week. But now, once a month is already grateful. I don't blame him because he helped us a lot.

While my mother-in-law only came once and never showed up again. Mas Adji's sister was the same, only came to visit once. After that he was lost in the earth.

When Mas Adji was still successful, he often came to ask for money. Whether it's money for facial care, buy milk, buy baby diapers, and more. Anyway there was always a reason to buy something that her husband was supposed to buy but he asked my husband for it. I never protested about it.

Now, I think Mas Adji's family no longer cares about us. They seemed to have released their hands on Mas Adji's condition and placed their full responsibility on me. How could they leave that to their own families?

Luckily I live near my parents. They visit me almost every day, either just asking about Mas Adji's condition, or picking up Keisha and taking her home.

Not infrequently my mother brought rice and side dishes for the three of us and it could save my expenses.

The sound of knocking on the door blew my daydream. Lately I've been daydreaming about how I'm going to get on with life. I would love to work. Keisha can I leave it to mom, but who will take care of Mas Adji? I wouldn't have the heart if my mom had to take care of him too.

The sound of knocking on the door was heard a second time. I took my foot to see who was coming.

Apparently one of Mas Adji's friends came to see him. I let Mas Adji's friend go straight to Mas Adji's room. I'm not strong if I have to move Mas Adji's body to a wheelchair.

Not long ago Mas Adji's friend said goodbye. I wonder why I was in such a hurry. Immediately I went into Mas Adji's room to ask him and deliver the medicine.

"Why is your friend in such a hurry?" I asked while thrusting a medicine into the hands of Mas Adji. Mas Adji did not answer my question immediately. He took the medicine first.

"That's your last medicine, Mas, we don't have the money to buy it. We don't even have money to buy daily necessities" I complained.

Mas Adji did not reply to my complaint. He pulled out a brown envelope labeled the name of a bank.

"So my friend came just to deliver it" said Mas Adji after the envelope passed into my hand.

"What is this Mas?"

"Open up, it's money. I was dismissed because I had been inactive for three months in the company. It was my severance and my last salary" said Mas Adji.

"Use the money well because I won't be able to work anymore. Maybe after my leg's healed I can find another job."

I stared at the envelope. I am relieved that we finally have money for our daily needs, but also confused because this means Mas Adji has lost his job.

"I'm sorry Win ... I'm just troubling you. I can't give you anything anymore" said Mas Adji. I know she's holding back her tears right now.

I can't answer Mas Adji because my own throat feels choked. I was also trying to hold back my tears from falling.

"Don't you say the car was given to you by the company? That car is yours?" I just don't believe it.

"That's if I've been Win's Branch Manager for five years. And I haven't even five years."

Suddenly this chest felt tight. Already fallen down the stairs, maybe this is what we are feeling.

I left Mas Adji speechless, because I didn't know what to say.

...****************...

This morning, one of Mas Adji's old friends came to visit. She recounted her experience of being in pain and successfully recovering after undergoing therapy. He advised Mas Adji to try it. Mas Adji seemed interested and started talking about it with me. He asked for my approval to undergo that therapy.

Immediately I contacted Mas Adji's friend to inquire in more detail about the therapy he was talking about. After hearing the explanation, I went back to discussing with Mas Adji. He still wants to do the therapy.

"It costs a lot Mas, once a meeting of five hundred thousand. The first month, you should be treated twice a week. For daily needs and therapy costs, not to mention your medications. Your severance pay may not be enough for two months" I explained long.

It used to be five hundred thousand a number that could be said to be small for Mas Adji. It might be worth one bottle of his liquor, and he could drink two more bottles overnight. But now it feels so much.

"I'm up to you Win, I leave the decision in your hands. I know this is hard for you, for us. I just want to get well soon. I've been a burden to you for too long."

Mas Adji's words have a point. If Mas Adji is healed and can work again, of course this burden will be reduced. I could also get divorced from him soon.

The word "divorce" came back to my mind after I had forgotten about it for a long time.

"Okay, let's try a month. If there's no progress, we stop."

I don't want to be called selfish because I don't allow Mas Adji to use his severance pay for treatment.

"Thank you Win." Mas Adji smiled sincerely.

After the discussion, the two of us immediately took an online taxi to the therapy place mentioned by Mas Adji's friend. As usual, Keisha I left it to my mother.

I was stunned to see once I reached the place of therapy in question. This is not just therapy by shamans abal-abal as I imagined before. This therapy uses modern methods. Performed by a certified therapist and using advanced tools.

"It should be expensive" I murmured.

I accompanied Mas Adji until the therapy was over. This is only the first time, so it is natural that there has been no change in the condition of his feet. I saw Mas Adji was very enthusiastic about undergoing therapy, so I also had to join the spirit for his recovery.

One that I wonder, why I still want to accompany him so far. Do I want her to heal so I can get a divorce from her soon? Or do I still care about him?